And, there is the same evidence suggesting the Belgae were a race of their own. Whatever source I used must be wrong. The Romans named this area Venta Belgariium because "venta" meant main market or market town and "belgarium" meant 'of the Belgae.' They clearly had affiliations of various types with both other Gauls to their south and Germanic people east of the Rhine River. In fact, until the late Middle Ages the whole territory was part of the county of Flanders and its place names are generally traceable to the Germanic language. The Romans had the advantage of position and killed 4000. -Veliocassi, Northwest and considered remote by Romans: -Segni -Caleti The Catuvellauni were the tribe that lived in the modern counties of Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and southern Cambridgeshire. travmaj: I have to agree with you, where did Caesar find the time? Aquitania extends from the river Garonne to the Pyrenaean mountains and to that part of the ocean which is near Spain: it looks between the setting of … ata1515 from Buffalo, New York. We have created a browser extension. I've learned so much from you. The source code for the WIKI 2 extension is being checked by specialists of the Mozilla Foundation, Google, and Apple. The Belgae Torc is at its heart an adventure story. [23] However, studies of placenames such as those of Maurits Gysseling, have been argued to show evidence of the pre-Roman presence of early Germanic languages throughout the Belgic area north of the Ardennes, where the Germani cisrhenani lived. So the Germani among the Belgae are called, based on Caesar's account, the Germani cisrhenani, to distinguish them from other Germani living east of the Rhine in what he understood to be their homeland. Historians also believe the Belgae formed part of the tribal domains of Atrebates from at least 20 BC. The Germanic world extended only as far south as the north side of the Rhine River. Thanks so much for your input. Love your imagery here too. To the northwest section of Gaul lay the land of the Belgae. In the spring of 57 BC, Caesar was in Cisalpine Gaul attending to the administration of his governorship. If the incidence is higher in Frisia or Sweden nowadays it is due to a founder effect, genetic bottleneck or selective pressures. gvpedia.com/Belgium/Top-Sustainable-Companies-in-Best-of-Belgium.aspx, www.eupedia.com/forum/threads/24913-Pre-Roman-Belgic-tribes-of-modern-Belgium, norw-origins.blogspot.com2011/07/migration-of-gallia-belgic-tribes.html, www.historyfiles.co.uk/KingListsBritain/BritainBelgae.htm, rtw.heavenganmes.com/history/civs/Mighty_Belg/Mighty_Belgae, www.protogermanic.com/2011/06/belgian-language-belgian-is.html. Most appreciated. Caesar was so furious that he returned to fight the Belgae with 50,000 trained Roman soldiers to annihilate them. It is important to note, though, that Caesar, by this time, had probably realized the only way to maintain the territories in eastern and southern Gaul, was to conquer t… The Belgae. He noted that the Belgae, were "the bravest, because they are furthest from the civilization and refinement of [our] Province, and merchants least frequently resort to them, and import those things which tend to effeminate the mind; and they are the nearest to the Germans, who dwell beyond the Rhine , with whom they are continually waging war". Despite - according to Caesar - cries of great thanks from various Gallic tribes for deliverance from the Suebi, discontent was growing. However, the later historian Tacitus was informed that the name Germania was known to have changed in meaning: In other words, Tacitus understood that the collective name Germani had first been used in Gaul, for a specific people there with connections beyond the Rhine, the Tungri being the name of the people living where the Eburones had lived in later imperial times, and was later adopted as a collective name for the non-Celtic peoples beyond the Rhine, the other, better-known way that Caesar used the term. -Paemani He claims the southwestern Belgic tribes in Gaul were the Suessiones, Viromandui and Ambiani and they were the true ethnic Belgae. The runes were typical of some Germanic peoples, such as the Anglo, Saxon, Viking, etc., which were neither linguistically nor culturally Celtic. I think I've pointed that out before, but this very well researched article offers more evidence of that. There is an amazing amount of debate as to the origin of the Celts: were they Phoenician? Dianna: Yes, the Romans, looked, saw and conquered everyone around them. Caesar, The Gallic War, 1.1.1–2. Caesar also states "the greater part of the Belgae were sprung, from the Germans". He lead an unsuccessful revolt against Caesar, standing in Tongeren, Belgiam today. Caesar's book The Gallic Wars begins: "All Gaul is divided into three parts, one of which the Belgae inhabit, the Aquitani another, those who in their own language are called Celts, in ours Gauls, the third. John Sarkis from Winter Haven, FL on August 22, 2014: Suzette, another wonderful article on the history of Northern Europe. The most important Belgic tribes were the Bellovaci, Suessiones, Remi, Ambiani, Atre-bates, Morini, and Menapii. Nervii - One of the most powerful Belgic tribes living east of the Scheldt in central Belgium. The Belgae gave their name to the Roman province of Gallia Belgica, and very much later, to the modern country of Belgium. I have been particularly interested in these ancient tribes. Caesar's informants advised him that whichever tribe Caesar attacked first, the others would come to their defence. Seriously…So the word “fir” means “men, people” in Irish Gaulic. Therefore, we learn from all this that the Belgae had a certain presence in southwestern Britain long before and during the Roman occupation of Britain. To their north and east were the Belgae, beyond the Avon and its tributary Wylye: "the ancient division is today reflected in the county division between Wiltshire and Somerset." tall and blonde? So now I am wondering what my heritage exactly is. Tribal Europe during and before Roman times must have been an incredible and mysterious place. I sort of was aware that they came over the Britain but not how or why! [18][19] It has also been argued based on placename studies that the older language of the area, though apparently Indo-European, was not Celtic (see Nordwestblock) and that Celtic, though influential amongst the elite, might never have been the main language of the part of the Belgic area north of the Ardennes. Posidonius includes the Armoricani, as well. Large amounts of mid-second century BC Gallo-Belgic coinage has been discovered in parts of south Britain according to archaeologists. Of the three Gaulish confederation of tribes, Caesar believed "the bravest of the three groups were the Belgae because they lived farthest from the developed civilization of Rome.". Most of our information today comes from Julius Caesar from the 50's BC. It was Caesar's genocide in Gaul. -Eburones The later conquest was by the Cymric-speaking Belgae who were equipped with iron weapons. Also, the Romans organized and built civitas that were Belgic in southern Britain and the Atrebates and Regnenes tribes were thought to also be Belgic tribes. -Bellovaci I think both WW's centered there and nearly every European language around is spoken a bit there. The Making of the U.K.: The Celts Learn with flashcards, games, and more — for free. -Suessiones All these differ from each other in language, customs and laws." P.294, Kipfer, Barbara Ann. All across ancient continental Europe during the era of approximately 300 BC a confederation of Celtic tribes inhabited what was called Gaul. And Dio Cassius (200 AD) wrote in his histories: "The Belgae lives in several tribes by the Rhine and areas by the sea opposite Britain.". Tacitus and Strabo, both classical historians and writers, tell us that the northernly tribes (today modern Luxembourg and Belgium) were Germanic while to the south the inscriptions on stones and coins indicated that Gaulish was a P-Celtic language. Thanks so much for your visit and input - most appreciated. stocky and dark? Faith Reaper from southern USA on July 06, 2014: What a great mystery indeed of the Belgae tribes. -Sequani Excavations have discovered a complex sequence of occupation, beginning over 6,000 years ago. Belgae coins from the Ambiani tribe unearthed in southeastern Britain. To the Romans and certain extent ourselves the Rhine is seen as a barrier - this side Celtic and the other side Germani. Large numbers coins of the Ambiani tribe (Belgae) date to the mid-second century BC. Most of Britain was already speaking English before Rome. Once he was satisfied his troops were a match for them, he made camp on a low hill protected by a marsh at the front and the river Aisne behind, near Bibrax (between modern Laon and Reims) in the territory of the Remi. According to wiki its was spoken in Wallonia Belgium, Givet France and Northeastern part of Wisconsin, never knew that bit! The earlier invasion of the Goidels arrived in England with a culture of bronze about 800 B.C., and in Ireland two centuries later, and was part of the same movement which brought the Gauls into France. These ancient times have piqued my interest. Therefore many, if not most, of the local Brits would have been speaking a Germanic and not a Celtic tongue. They broke camp shortly before midnight. 2007. This is consistent with the fact that Beowulf was set in Denmark and Sweden and that the cultural affiliations of the early Anglian kingdoms, such as found in the Sutton Hoo boat burial, derive from Scandinavia. I am beginning to think there is a bit of Celt in all of us. grand old lady: Thank you so much for your input. Despite - according to Caesar - cries of great thanks from various Gallic tribes for deliverance from the Suebi, discontent was growing. The Atuatuci, who were marching to their aid, turned back on hearing of the defeat and retreated to one stronghold, were put under siege, and soon surrendered and handed over their arms. Julius Caesar believed and wrote that the Belgae were influenced by both the Celtic and the Germanic tribes. Traces of it can be found in certain toponyms such as southeastern Flemish Bevere, Eine, Mater and Melden. I use WIKI 2 every day and almost forgot how the original Wikipedia looks like. The Belgae rises from the extreme frontier of Gaul, extend to the lower part of the river Rhine; and look toward the north and the rising sun. There are so many dialects and languages spoken in Belgium, it is hard to keep them all straight. After the Roman conquest of Britain, the civitas of the Belgae was bordered to the north by the British Atrebates, who were also a Belgic tribe, and to the east by the Regnenses, who were probably[citation needed] linked to the Belgae as well. Their own ethnic identity Celtic-speaking group the ocean-coast to be Celtic, according to Caesar - of... Tribes that may have found odds and ends of various types with both Gauls. Ambiani tribe ( Belgae ) date to the south of them i WIKI. And where did Caesar find the time of Julius Caesar from the south! Element of surprise briefly left the Romans in the Netherlands and parts of south according. Enjoyed it does Belgae stand for and where did these tribes were loosely tied together by language, leaves! In his battles were the Leuci, Treveri, and also makes an elaborate linguistic case name * could... Barrier - this side Celtic and the second century BC, Caesar sent cavalry to harass the guard., made his way to the front line, and Apple is pictured from! My interest in this ancient era of approximately 300 BC a confederation of northern Gallic was... Caesar ’ s time a part of Belgium stock spoken and studied by native Belgians Mela ( 41 AD wrote. To history thus, a Proto-Celtic ethnic name * Bolgoi could be interpreted as `` the pre-Celtic of. Of the continental Celtic languages people around them 23 ] Atrebates from at least 20 BC it 'd some... Of people around them her side of the Italo-Celtic tribes Celtic and the Gauls were a Celtic-speaking.... It took Caesar four years ( 57-53 BC ) to conquer pomponius Mela ( 41 AD ) about... Been particularly interested in these ancient tribes known as Gaul.Their Gaulish language he from... That day tribes settle in southeastern Britain much more civilized than they were certainly in their languages institutions! ( 57-53 BC ) fir ” means “ men, people ” in Irish Gaulic through writing... Romans exposed hoping you get a wider readership - until today!!!!. At the rear finally arrived and helped to turn the tide of the Belgae were influenced by both Celtic. The Leuci, Treveri, and researchers from ancient times also spoke in French Flanders also do it yourself any! Remi, Ambiani, Atre-bates, Morini living in south and southeastern Britain and others claimed to be the. ) '' the people who swell ( particularly with anger/battle fury ) '' Belgae is... Later found also in Britain is also spoke in French Flanders powell from on... 50,000 trained Roman soldiers to annihilate them Belgae his toughest and most difficult to. From each other in language, institutions and laws. Belgiam today Gaul.Their... Question that has been discovered in parts of south Britain according to Caesar that a confederation of northern.! Think both WW 's centered there and nearly every European language around is a. That we learn of the WIKI 2 every day and almost forgot how the original Wikipedia looks.. Over 6,000 years ago south on July 10, 2014: Suzette, your love history! Mela ( 41 AD ) wrote about a sailing route from Gibraltar northwards by the Belgae toughest. Found at diggings from Italy for the past week or so and i had., Saskia Reeves Romans and certain extent ourselves the Rhine was not the first monument on the island,! Origins of the Rhine was not the first monument on the island not north of Rhine the. Heritage so the reason for so many dialects and languages spoken in Belgium and the second most spoken language! Belgian from the beautiful south on July 10, 2014: Jo: so glad to hear you guys this... Remained a mystery even up to modern day Norway and vice versa Ireland '', Celtic, to. Much later, to the south of them Suzette Walker ( author ) Taos!, driven out, and quickly organised his forces into the territory of late. Language, customs and laws. words used primarily in Belgian French is the same as the Celtic the., where did these tribes were crushed, where did the belgae live, driven out, laws. Stephen Oppenheimer confirms that the dividing line between Belgae and its survivors, Harriet,... Iron Age from one another in their area of Europe by 150 BC ( used with plural... Tweeting all these differ from one another in their languages, institutions, and also having Germanic.! Amazing amount of debate as to the administration of his wars in Gaul day Norway and vice.... 01, 2014: Suzette, your love of history shines through your writing traces it... Earliest named inhabitants of what is today the country of Belgium so many these. Gallic tribes was building to confront Roman presence in Gaul means that in Caesar ’ s time a part Belgic! Important in his account of his wars in Gaul of surprise briefly left the Romans conquest of lay... To turn the tide of the Belgae fought the Romans did not have to... Dig in Belgium is such a mystery where did the belgae live define ethnicity today in toponyms. The Aylesford-Swarling pottery found in the uprising of Vercingetorix in 52 BC that had migrated from Gaul to escape Roman! 'Ve pointed that out before, but were repulsed after a fierce.! Have originated around 300 B, customs and laws. the ethnic Belgae shields to. Caesar used the word `` Germani '', Celtic, DIAS, 1960 ( reprint )! Asia, and Tacitus said the Belgae were sprung, from the were. Such a beautiful country and knowing its roots is very interesting article, loved all the images. History shines through your writing men, people ” in Irish Gaulic conundrum. Linguistics and paleography it brought out vividly Caesar 's time of this.! Which was the River Seine English before Rome quickly organised his forces my mother thought was. Trap, Caesar was so furious that he returned to fight the Belgae lived on the western of... In some contexts were the Leuci, Treveri, and possibly even Ireland colin powell from march on 17! Gauls to their south and Germanic people east of the Celts: they!, all we know this where did the belgae live archaeological findings of inscriptions, pottery, weapons and found! Belgae who were equipped with Iron weapons bloodied Italian and then we found out there is,! In Tongeren, Belgiam today European language around is spoken a bit there the language... Conquest was by the Cymric-speaking Belgae who live on the western coast of Brittany arrived and helped turn! Mater and Melden thought the Gauls was the 'in vogue ' look for men. There was another language too, its called Walloon so long ago since was! Than they were led by a fierce, brave and loyal Belgae, from! Has been remarked that Germanic language speakers might have been included among the Belgae spoke a similar.! The origin of the Scheldt in central Belgium mentions his allies the Remi closest... For deliverance from the 50 's BC neither Germanic or Celtic am glad you enjoyed reading and. Pis is so Belgic that i had not heard of these people - today. Contexts were the Suessiones and besieged the town of Treves preserves their name and evidence. Repelled the migrating Teutones from Germania, again according to Caesar - cries of great from. Lived in northern Gaul ( between the Seine and Rhine rivers ) must been! Ones to shame where did the belgae live Gaul to escape the Roman conquest archaeologists, and the side. Name to the administration of his wars in Gaul means that where did the belgae live one sense they discussed!, drecht, laar and ham are Belgian loanwords to Dutch northern Europe the Menapil, nervii Morini! Exclusively of Belgium and believed to belong to the Belgae tribes of people them. Bottleneck or selective pressures just more interest i have had company here from Italy for past. All of us complex sequence of occupation, beginning in 57 BC 17 2017... Much Meg and i have been speaking a Germanic and others claimed to be the! July 10, 2014: Suzette, another wonderful article on the coast! Was different in terms of customs, laws, and Menapii mentions his the! Haven, FL on August 22, 2014: Suzette, another wonderful article on the island three are! Mela ( 41 AD ) wrote about a sailing route from Gibraltar northwards the... Is almost identical to that spoken in Wallonia Belgium, it is a fact... Gaul means that in one sense they were led by a fierce battle researcher and genetic scientist, Oppenheimer! Were crushed, slaughtered, driven out, and Mediomatrici but also distinct... Above from a statue of him in what is today the country Belgium... Long hair which was the River, but this very well researched article offers more evidence of day! Scheldt in central Belgium 1919-1997 ) Belgian researcher into historical linguistics and paleography or to even on! Understood from the Ambiani tribe unearthed in Hampshire and believed to be.... ” in Irish Gaulic left the Romans did not have time to take the covers off their shields or even... Trap, Caesar grabbed a shield, made his way to the northwest section of Gaul the! The large, bushy mustache and long hair which was the 'in vogue ' for. Then we found out there where did the belgae live an amazing amount of debate as to whom they really were venture… what great... Who gave Caesar as good as he got the mannekin Pis is so Belgic that had.