This post was last updated on August 31st, 2024 at 05:16 pm
What did the Romans call Wales? During the Roman invasion of Britain in the first century AD, the Romans called the island containing Wales “Brittania Major.” Later, the Romans made Wales a province called “Brittania Secunda.”
The Roman invasion of Wales was a significant event with far-reaching consequences for the Celtic tribes and their culture. The Romans first invaded Wales in AD 48, led by the governor of Roman Britain, Publius Ostorius Scapula. He targeted the Deceangli tribe in what is now Northern Wales and West Cheshire, England.
Over the next several decades, the Romans gradually conquered and established control over the region. Their occupation of Wales lasted for a few centuries and left a lasting impact on Welsh society, shaping everything from its language and architecture to its politics and religion. However, despite the Romans’ attempts to conquer the land, they never fully subdued the people of Wales. Instead, they dealt with tribal uprisings for centuries until the Romans withdrew from Britain in the fourth century AD.
While it may be true that the Romans referred to Wales as “Cambria,” this name was used much later in medieval times. The name “Cambria” is believed to have derived from the Welsh word “Cymry,” which means “fellow countrymen” or “compatriots.”
This article answers the question, “What did the Romans call Wales?” and explores the pivotal period of the Roman invasion in Welsh history.
What Did the Romans Call Wales?
What did the Romans call Wales? The Romans called Wales “Cambria” or “Wallia.” The name “Cambria” is derived from the Welsh name for themselves, “Cymry,” while “Wallia” is derived from the Germanic word “walhaz,” which was used to refer to people who spoke a non-Germanic language, such as the Celtic languages spoken by the Welsh.
However, both of these terms emerged later in the medieval period. Wales did not exist as a single entity during the Roman invasion and occupation. The tribal societies that comprised this part of Great Britain were known by their tribal names or as “Britons” collectively. The “Silures” are one such example, their surviving name being a Latin word derived from whatever was the original Celtic one.
What Did the Romans Call Wales During the Occupation?
Great Britain: “Brittania Major”
During the Roman invasion, the Romans called the largest island of the British Isles “Britannia” or “Britannia Major” to distinguish it from “Britannia Minor,” which referred to what is now Brittany in France. The name “Britannia” is thought to have been derived from the Greek word “Pretani” or “painted ones” and was used to refer to the indigenous Celtic tribes that lived in the region before the Roman conquest.
The Land of Cymru (Wales) Itself: “Brittania Secunda”
Later, during the late 3rd century, when the Romans still occupied Wales, they called the area “Brittania Secunda.” They did this after dividing Britain into provinces to reduce the legions under the command of any one governor in case he should become too powerful. The Romans probably made Wales the province of Brittania Secunda in 296 AD.
So, the Romans first called Wales “Brittania” as it was within the island of Great Britain, then later made the land of Wales a province named “Brittania Secunda.” Later, in the Middle Ages, the Romans referred to Wales as “Cambria” and “Wallia.”
Why Did the Romans Invade Wales?
There were several reasons why the Romans invaded Wales. One of the primary reasons was to expand their empire and gain control of the valuable resources that Wales had to offer, such as metals and agricultural land.
Another reason was to bring the tribes under Roman rule and establish a stable and organized government in the region. The ancient Welsh tribes were seen as a threat to Roman interests in Britain, as they had a reputation for being fierce and resistant to outside rule. By conquering Wales, the Romans hoped to pacify the region and prevent any potential uprisings or rebellions.
Additionally, the Roman invasion of Wales was part of a more extensive campaign to conquer and control all of Britain. By conquering Wales, the Romans could secure their control over the western part of the island. By securing the area, they could prevent any potential threats from that direction.
Finally, the Romans may have been motivated by a desire for glory and conquest. The conquest of new territories was seen as a way to acquire honor and prestige within the Roman empire, and many Roman generals and soldiers were eager to prove their worth on the battlefield.
Overall, the Roman invasion of Wales was motivated by a combination of economic, political, strategic, and personal reasons. It had a significant impact on the history and culture of Wales.
Roman Camps in Britain by Rebecca H. Jones
The Roman Invasion of Wales
The Roman invasion marked the beginning of Roman rule in Wales and profoundly impacted the Celtic tribes.
The invasion of Wales by the Romans began in AD 48. The governor of Roman Britain, Publius Ostorius Scapula, led an army across the River Dee into what is now Wales. The Roman army was organized, professionally trained, and well-equipped with weapons and supplies.
The Welsh tribes, who had been living in the region for centuries, were caught off guard by the Roman invasion. They were not used to facing such a powerful and efficient military force, and many were quickly defeated in battle.
However, despite initial successes, the Roman conquest of Wales was not easy. The terrain was difficult to navigate, with steep hills and dense forests, making it challenging for the Roman army to move around. The Welsh also used guerrilla tactics, launching surprise attacks on the Roman army and then retreating into the hills.
Caratacus, Welsh Leader
Perhaps among the most noteworthy battles of the Roman invasion of Wales was the Battle of Caer Caradoc, which took place in AD 50. The Welsh leader, Caratacus, had gathered a large army and was determined to resist the Roman invasion. The battle was hard-fought, with both sides sustaining heavy casualties, but ultimately, the Roman army emerged victorious.
Caratacus managed to escape and continued to lead a resistance against the Roman army. He was eventually captured and taken to Rome, where he was paraded through the streets as a prisoner of war.
The Roman Conquest of Wales
The Roman conquest of Wales was a long and difficult process. It wasn’t until AD 78 that the last of the Welsh tribes were finally (mostly) subdued. The Romans then established a network of forts and roads throughout the region. This network allowed them to maintain control over the Welsh population.
The Brythonic language of the Celtic tribes in the region, which had been the dominant language for centuries, competed with Latin as the ancient Welsh language emerged. The Romans also introduced new technologies and ideas. Roman architecture, law, and religion had a lasting influence on Welsh society.
In conclusion, the Roman invasion of Wales marked the beginning of Roman rule in Wales and forever changed Welsh society and culture. While the conquest was not easy, the Roman army eventually won.
What Did the Romans Call England?
The Romans likely called England “Albion,” a word that may have been received from a similar Celtic word. It translated as “white land,” and the Romans said it referred to the white cliffs of Dover.
What Did the Romans Call Ireland?
The Romans did not have a significant presence in Ireland, and there is no evidence that they ever named the island. However, some ancient writers referred to Ireland as “Hibernia.” The origin of this name is uncertain, but it may come from the Greek word for Ireland, “Ivernia.”
What Did the Romans Call Scotland?
The Romans referred to Scotland as “Caledonia.” The name “Caledonia” is thought to have been derived from the Calidones tribe. Around the beginning of the fourth century, the Celts got the names “Scots” and “Picts.”
When Did the Romans Leave Wales?
The exact date of the Romans’ departure from Wales is not known. However, it is generally believed to have been in 383 AD. At this time, the Roman Empire was facing significant economic, military, and political challenges. These factors made it increasingly difficult to maintain control over far-flung territories like Wales.
As the Roman Empire began to decline, it became harder to supply and maintain the Roman army in Wales. Therefore, the Romans gradually withdrew their forces from the region. The withdrawal was likely gradual rather than sudden, with some Roman soldiers and officials remaining in Wales for some time after the formal withdrawal of the Roman army.
After the departure of the Romans, Wales was left vulnerable to invasion and conquest by other groups. That included the Anglo-Saxons, who gradually began to settle in the region and establish their own kingdoms. For better or worse, we can still observe the legacy of the Roman occupation of Wales today in the many forts, roads, and other structures they built. We can also still see the influence of Roman culture and language on Welsh society.
Was There Ever a Welsh Roman Emperor?
No, there was never a Welsh Roman Emperor. While some individuals of Welsh origin may have risen to positions of prominence in the Roman Empire, such as generals or officials, none ever became Emperor. However, a tale in the Welsh collection of stories called the “Mabinogion,” “The Dream of Macsen,” gives a legendary rendition of how Magnus Maximus rose to power.
A few notable Welsh figures in the Roman period played important roles in the history of Britain. One such figure was Caratacus (also known as Caradog). He was a Welsh tribal leader who led a resistance movement against the Roman invasion of Britain in the 1st century AD. While he was ultimately defeated and captured by the Romans, he became a symbol of Welsh resistance to foreign rule. Caratacus is still celebrated as a hero in Welsh folklore and history.
Despite the Roman invasion and occupation of Wales, the Welsh people managed to preserve and maintain their unique culture and identity. While the Romans left behind a legacy of impressive structures and technologies, they could not detract from or eradicate the Welsh language, customs, and traditions. The Welsh people continued to resist foreign rule and forge their own path. Today, Welsh culture and language remain a vibrant and integral part of British and world culture. It gives witness to the resilience and determination of the Welsh people to persevere in the face of adversity.
This article answered the question, “What did the Romans call Wales?” and gave a brief overview of the Roman invasion.
You may also enjoy the Copper and Cobalt Trilogy, a time-travel series set in North Wales near Llyn Caerwych in Snowdonia.
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