Pytheas the Greek and and the discovery of Britain c300BC.

Pytheas the Greek Pytheas the Greek and and the and and the

discovery of Britaindiscovery of Britainc300BCc300BC

Britain in the Iron Britain in the Iron Age 600BC-60ADAge 600BC-60AD

Part OnePart One: Descriptions by : Descriptions by Classical Authors.Classical Authors.

FIRST CENTURY BC ARISTOCTATIC BRITISH CELTS

TORQUE

Pytheas the GreekPytheas the Greek The earliest comprehensive description of the The earliest comprehensive description of the

British Isles to survive from the classical British Isles to survive from the classical authors is by Diodorus Siculus 1authors is by Diodorus Siculus 1stst century BC. century BC.

He uses the word Pretannia which is probably He uses the word Pretannia which is probably the earliest Greek for of the word for Britain. the earliest Greek for of the word for Britain. Strabo used the same except sometimes he Strabo used the same except sometimes he adopts the b instead of the p.adopts the b instead of the p.

It is likely that DS used a text by Pytheas and It is likely that DS used a text by Pytheas and he would have been the first to transcribe the he would have been the first to transcribe the local word for the islands (Pretannike) and local word for the islands (Pretannike) and the word the inhabitants used for themselves the word the inhabitants used for themselves (Pretani, Priteni).(Pretani, Priteni).

Trade routes between ‘Gaul” and ‘Britain’ between c500-200BC

The probable route taken by Pytheas 310BC

Note the placenames

Pytheas the GreekPytheas the Greek

In standard Latin the form with b In standard Latin the form with b (Britannia) became common, but in the (Britannia) became common, but in the Celtic language of Britain (which became Celtic language of Britain (which became Welsh, Cornish and Breton), the form Welsh, Cornish and Breton), the form with ‘p’ persisted (Prydain).with ‘p’ persisted (Prydain).

So when Pytheas landed on the peninsula So when Pytheas landed on the peninsula of Belerion (Cornwall), he would have of Belerion (Cornwall), he would have learned that the island was called Albion, learned that the island was called Albion, and that the people called themselves and that the people called themselves Pretani (painted ones).Pretani (painted ones).


Pytheas made a remarkable journey Pytheas made a remarkable journey north around the British Isles some north around the British Isles some time before 320BC. On his return he time before 320BC. On his return he wrote an account called wrote an account called On the On the OceanOcean of which nothing survives, of which nothing survives, but his observations are reported by but his observations are reported by no less than eighteen ancient writers no less than eighteen ancient writers all crediting Pytheas by name.all crediting Pytheas by name.

Pytheas the GreekPytheas the Greek Some writers were dismissive (Polybius Some writers were dismissive (Polybius

and Strabo) but others such as Pliny the and Strabo) but others such as Pliny the Elder were more positive.Elder were more positive.

His journey can be traced in some His journey can be traced in some detail.detail.

It is assumed he went from Marseilles It is assumed he went from Marseilles (Massalia), he sailed around Spain to (Massalia), he sailed around Spain to the Bay of Biscay and then north to the Bay of Biscay and then north to Britain. But it has also been suggested Britain. But it has also been suggested that he went overland to the Gironde that he went overland to the Gironde and then boarded ship.and then boarded ship.

Pytheas the GreekPytheas the Greek He is reported to have sailed to He is reported to have sailed to UxisameUxisame, and , and

then to then to KabionKabion and from there to the and from there to the Pretannic Pretannic isles isles ((Pretannike).Pretannike). He calls the promontory He calls the promontory where he landed where he landed BelerionBelerion. He mentions two . He mentions two other promontories other promontories Kantion Kantion and and Orkas.Orkas.

In passing he noted Ireland. He gives distances In passing he noted Ireland. He gives distances (circumnavigation). He probably made his (circumnavigation). He probably made his journey in local vessels.journey in local vessels.

He may have ventured much further even as far He may have ventured much further even as far as Iceland, but more likely he gives descriptions as Iceland, but more likely he gives descriptions that were known to British seafarers, suggesting that were known to British seafarers, suggesting that Celtic Britons had reach as far as Iceland that Celtic Britons had reach as far as Iceland (at that time unpopulated).(at that time unpopulated).


The three writers after Pytheas who The three writers after Pytheas who described Celtic Britain weredescribed Celtic Britain were Diodorus SiculusDiodorus Siculus StraboStrabo C.Julius CaesarC.Julius Caesar


Diodorus wrote in some detail. According to Diodorus wrote in some detail. According to Barry Cunliffe (Barry Cunliffe (The Extraordinary Voyage of The Extraordinary Voyage of Pytheas the Greek)Pytheas the Greek), Diodorus would have , Diodorus would have based his description largely on the (now based his description largely on the (now lost) work of Pytheas. Diodorus wrote in the lost) work of Pytheas. Diodorus wrote in the 11stst century BC after Caesar’s two landings century BC after Caesar’s two landings there.there.

Since Diodorus is not likely to have Since Diodorus is not likely to have ventured to a part of Europe still outside ventured to a part of Europe still outside the control of Rome, his account can be said the control of Rome, his account can be said to reflect the work of another.to reflect the work of another.

Diodorus’ Description of Diodorus’ Description of BritainBritain

He gives initially very exact He gives initially very exact measurements concerning the distance measurements concerning the distance from the mainland, and it is here that from the mainland, and it is here that we are given several placenames which we are given several placenames which must have occurred in Pytheas’ text:must have occurred in Pytheas’ text: BelerionBelerion KantionKantion IktisIktis OrkaOrka


Diodorus tells us that Britain Diodorus tells us that Britain (Bretannike) is inhabited by tribes which (Bretannike) is inhabited by tribes which are auchthonous and preserve in their are auchthonous and preserve in their ways of living the ancient manner of life.ways of living the ancient manner of life.

They use chariots, their dwellings are They use chariots, their dwellings are humble (reeds and logs).humble (reeds and logs).

Their method of harvesting; bread –Their method of harvesting; bread –makingmaking

A simple life-style; large population; cold A simple life-style; large population; cold climate.climate.


Diodorus also states that the island is Diodorus also states that the island is controlled by numerous ‘kings’ and warlords controlled by numerous ‘kings’ and warlords (dynastes), but they largely live at peace with (dynastes), but they largely live at peace with each other.each other.

Tin is an important export. The area around Tin is an important export. The area around Belerion (Land’s End) is very hospitable since Belerion (Land’s End) is very hospitable since they are used to consorting with traders from they are used to consorting with traders from abroad.abroad.

The description of tin-mining. The tin is The description of tin-mining. The tin is exported on horseback from the island of Iktis exported on horseback from the island of Iktis (Mount’s Bay in Cornwall) to Galatia or Gaul, (Mount’s Bay in Cornwall) to Galatia or Gaul, and from there to the mouth of the river Rhone and from there to the mouth of the river Rhone (Massalia and Narbo).(Massalia and Narbo).

Strabo and PlinyStrabo and Pliny

Both Strabo and Pliny (the Elder) Both Strabo and Pliny (the Elder) claim to have used the work of Pytheas claim to have used the work of Pytheas for their descriptions of Britain. All for their descriptions of Britain. All three authors (Diodorus) included) three authors (Diodorus) included) give similar dimensions for Britain and give similar dimensions for Britain and the distances from Gaul implying they the distances from Gaul implying they all used one source- Pytheas.all used one source- Pytheas.

Strabo is often dismissive of Pytheas Strabo is often dismissive of Pytheas (especially with regard to distances).(especially with regard to distances).

Strabo on BritainStrabo on Britain

Like Diodorus and presumably Like Diodorus and presumably Pytheas, Strabo starts his account by Pytheas, Strabo starts his account by stating that Britain is triangular in stating that Britain is triangular in shape. He mentions Kantion (today’s shape. He mentions Kantion (today’s Kent) and calls it the most easterly Kent) and calls it the most easterly point in Britain.point in Britain.

He describes the various approaches He describes the various approaches to Britain (ie from which ports- he is to Britain (ie from which ports- he is writing after Caesar’s landings)-writing after Caesar’s landings)-

Strabo’s description of Strabo’s description of BritainBritain

Strabo’s description of the land:Strabo’s description of the land: Most of the island is flat and overgrown Most of the island is flat and overgrown

with forests (some districts are hilly)with forests (some districts are hilly) The Britons produce grain, cattle, gold, The Britons produce grain, cattle, gold,

silver and iron. They export hides and silver and iron. They export hides and slaves, and hunting dogs.slaves, and hunting dogs.

The Britons are taller than the Keltoi, not The Britons are taller than the Keltoi, not so yellow-haired.so yellow-haired.

Their habits are similar to that of the Their habits are similar to that of the Keltoi, but more simple and barbaric. Keltoi, but more simple and barbaric. (barbarutera)(barbarutera)

Strabo’s description of Strabo’s description of BritainBritain

They have much milk, but do not They have much milk, but do not make cheese. Apparently not make cheese. Apparently not experienced in agriculture.experienced in agriculture.

They use chariots like the Keltoi.They use chariots like the Keltoi. They live in forested areas.They live in forested areas. More rain than snow. Much fog.More rain than snow. Much fog. Inhabitants called Brettann/oiInhabitants called Brettann/oi

Caesar’s description 55 Caesar’s description 55 and 54BCand 54BC

Cesar’s description of chariot-Cesar’s description of chariot-warfare amongst the Britonswarfare amongst the Britons

Second landing (pursues Second landing (pursues Cassivellaunus). Gives more detailed Cassivellaunus). Gives more detailed description of the land and the description of the land and the people (south eastern Britain).people (south eastern Britain).

His description may well depend His description may well depend partly on Pytheas (not mentioned in partly on Pytheas (not mentioned in his text):his text):


Britain is inhabited by tribes who declare Britain is inhabited by tribes who declare themselves to be indigenous to the island (the themselves to be indigenous to the island (the maritime area inhabited by Belgic tribes from maritime area inhabited by Belgic tribes from Gaul).Gaul).

Large population; farm-buildings close to each Large population; farm-buildings close to each other (like the Galli=Gauls). Much cattle.other (like the Galli=Gauls). Much cattle.

They use bronze or gold coins, or iron ingots.They use bronze or gold coins, or iron ingots. Tin and iron is produced in ‘midland areas’.Tin and iron is produced in ‘midland areas’. There is a taboo against eating hare, fowl and There is a taboo against eating hare, fowl and

geese.geese.


‘‘the natural shape of the island is the natural shape of the island is triangular, and one side lies opposite Gaul’.triangular, and one side lies opposite Gaul’.

He mentions Cantium (Kent, Gr: Kantion)He mentions Cantium (Kent, Gr: Kantion) Also mentions Ireland, ‘smaller by one half Also mentions Ireland, ‘smaller by one half

than Britain’.than Britain’. Also mentions the island of Man (Isle of Also mentions the island of Man (Isle of

Man), possibly also influence of Pytheas’ Man), possibly also influence of Pytheas’ writings. He mentions the long nights in writings. He mentions the long nights in the north which only someone such as the north which only someone such as Pytheas could have known.Pytheas could have known.


Caesar saw that the people of Caesar saw that the people of Cantium (Kantiaki) were the most Cantium (Kantiaki) were the most similar to the Gauls.similar to the Gauls.

Of the inlanders, the emphasis, he Of the inlanders, the emphasis, he claims, is on cattle, since they do not claims, is on cattle, since they do not sow. They live on milk and meat.sow. They live on milk and meat.

Woad. They have long hair. Their Woad. They have long hair. Their non-mediterranean domestic non-mediterranean domestic arrangements.arrangements.

The Geography of The Geography of PtolemyPtolemy

Claudius Ptolemaeus was a celebrated Claudius Ptolemaeus was a celebrated geographer and astronomer who lived in geographer and astronomer who lived in the second century AD.the second century AD.

He was a Greek by descent and a native of He was a Greek by descent and a native of Alexandria in Egypt.Alexandria in Egypt.

He invented the He invented the Ptolemaic SystemPtolemaic System, an , an earth-centred view of the workings of the earth-centred view of the workings of the universe, which remained unchallenged universe, which remained unchallenged until the time of Copernicus whose until the time of Copernicus whose Solar Solar SystemSystem was published in 1543. was published in 1543.

The Geography of The Geography of PtolemyPtolemy

His most remarkable publication was perhaps his His most remarkable publication was perhaps his GeographyGeography, a work of seven volumes which also , a work of seven volumes which also became a standard work until the 15th century.became a standard work until the 15th century.

In the opening chapters of the second book of the In the opening chapters of the second book of the GeographyGeography we find information about the British we find information about the British Isles, chapter two is called Isles, chapter two is called Albion island of Albion island of BritanniaBritannia..

He gives lists of prominent coastal landmarks, He gives lists of prominent coastal landmarks, estuaries, as well as the names of the British estuaries, as well as the names of the British tribes and their principal towns.tribes and their principal towns.

Probably his information reflects the situation Probably his information reflects the situation during the 1st century AD.during the 1st century AD.

Britain in the Britain in the Iron AgeIron Age

Part Two: ArchaeologyPart Two: Archaeology

Tribal groupingsTribal groupings

When the Romans invaded Britain in 43AD When the Romans invaded Britain in 43AD they found a country divided into a number they found a country divided into a number of tribal groupings.of tribal groupings.

Some of them they adopted as the basis of Some of them they adopted as the basis of their own administrative systems.their own administrative systems.

Many of the tribes to the south would have Many of the tribes to the south would have been socially cohesive, but in the north it is been socially cohesive, but in the north it is far more likely that the names recorded were far more likely that the names recorded were those of powerful lineages to whom the those of powerful lineages to whom the scattered population owed some allegiance.scattered population owed some allegiance.


http://www.roman-britain.org/tribes.http://www.roman-britain.org/tribes.htmhtm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Celtic_tribes#Great_BritainCeltic_tribes#Great_Britain

http://www.celtnet.org.uk/brythonic-http://www.celtnet.org.uk/brythonic-tribes.htmltribes.html

http://www.gallica.co.uk/celts/tribe-http://www.gallica.co.uk/celts/tribe-map.htmmap.htm


The tribes of the south-east were minting The tribes of the south-east were minting distinctive coins by the middle of the first distinctive coins by the middle of the first century BC (c50BC) which indicates some century BC (c50BC) which indicates some degree of socio-economic unity.degree of socio-economic unity.

But how far can ‘tribal groupingd’ be traced But how far can ‘tribal groupingd’ be traced in the archaeological record?in the archaeological record?

One way to approach the question is by One way to approach the question is by considering the distribution patterns of considering the distribution patterns of distinctive pottery styles, assuming that distinctive pottery styles, assuming that pottery decoration reflects ethnic division pottery decoration reflects ethnic division ((ethnosethnos= a tribe, a people).= a tribe, a people).


It can be suggested that some of the It can be suggested that some of the zones favouring particular styles of zones favouring particular styles of pottery decoration, which are pottery decoration, which are distinguishable as early as the 6distinguishable as early as the 6thth-5-5thth century BC retained a separate century BC retained a separate identity throughout the Iron Age, identity throughout the Iron Age, emerging later in the Roman emerging later in the Roman invasion period as larger tribal units.invasion period as larger tribal units.


The region where the pottery styles The region where the pottery styles are clearest –central southern are clearest –central southern Britain-is the very area where Britain-is the very area where settlement pattern evidence settlement pattern evidence suggests the development of a suggests the development of a complex social system based on complex social system based on territorial units dominated by territorial units dominated by developed hillforts. (Atrebates, developed hillforts. (Atrebates, Catuvellauni, Dobunni, Coritani).Catuvellauni, Dobunni, Coritani).

Tribal groupingsTribal groupings The sheer density of population in that The sheer density of population in that

area led to the creation of a regional area led to the creation of a regional coherence early in the Iron Age, and coherence early in the Iron Age, and eventually to the emergence of distinct eventually to the emergence of distinct tribes or confederations.tribes or confederations.

(The White Horse of Uffington, (The White Horse of Uffington, Berkshire).Berkshire).

Another area of such cohesion was in Another area of such cohesion was in the Yorkshire Wolds that gave the so-the Yorkshire Wolds that gave the so-called Arras Culture, dominated by the called Arras Culture, dominated by the Parisi tribe. From 5Parisi tribe. From 5thth century BC. century BC.


In other areas of the west and north, In other areas of the west and north, where the settlement pattern is more where the settlement pattern is more dispersed and the social unit was the dispersed and the social unit was the extended family (or clan), a network extended family (or clan), a network of relationships would have developed of relationships would have developed by intermarriage, that created by intermarriage, that created patchworks of social interdependence.patchworks of social interdependence.

Regional identities may well have Regional identities may well have evolved:evolved:


The groupings found in Devon and The groupings found in Devon and Cornwall may have recognized their Cornwall may have recognized their difference from those in the east, difference from those in the east, and thought of themselves as people and thought of themselves as people of Dumnonia (Dyfnaint, Downans, of Dumnonia (Dyfnaint, Downans, Devon).Devon).

Major changes in the early Major changes in the early 1st century BC1st century BC

The most important change that took place The most important change that took place during this period was the gradual move during this period was the gradual move from hillforts (the centres oif tribal from hillforts (the centres oif tribal groupings, large and small) to groupings, large and small) to oppida, oppida, often called territorial often called territorial oppidaoppida that that extended over a large area, close to river extended over a large area, close to river crossing.crossing.

Such was their importance that the Romans Such was their importance that the Romans later took several over as regional centres, later took several over as regional centres, and eventually medieval towns would be and eventually medieval towns would be build on these sites.build on these sites.

HILLFORTS

WARDEN HILL, NORTHUMBRIA

DANESBURY

ABERYSTWYTH

YARNBURY, WILTSHIRE

THE EXTENSION OF THE THE EXTENSION OF THE OPPIDA in S. Britain.OPPIDA in S. Britain.

Influence from northern Gaul.Influence from northern Gaul. The beginnings of ‘urbanisation’ in The beginnings of ‘urbanisation’ in

Cetic Britain.Cetic Britain. Greater interdependance of the SE Greater interdependance of the SE

and central tribal groups. and central tribal groups. Beginnings of a ‘state’.Beginnings of a ‘state’.

THIS WAS THE WORLD THE THIS WAS THE WORLD THE Romans found in c50BC.Romans found in c50BC.

Hallstatt and La Tène in Hallstatt and La Tène in BritainBritain

From the fifth to the second century From the fifth to the second century contacts between Britain and the contacts between Britain and the adjacent parts of the Continent were adjacent parts of the Continent were maintained..maintained..

Metalwork in the new La Tène style Metalwork in the new La Tène style which developed in Europe towards which developed in Europe towards the beginning of the fifth century BC the beginning of the fifth century BC found its way into Britain largely found its way into Britain largely through exchange networks.through exchange networks.


Many of the incoming types were Many of the incoming types were rapidly copied by local craftsmen, rapidly copied by local craftsmen, giving rise to distinctive British giving rise to distinctive British varieties.varieties.

The Yorkshire area (Arras Culture) The Yorkshire area (Arras Culture) seems to have seen a more extensive seems to have seen a more extensive cultural assemblage introduced, not cultural assemblage introduced, not only metal types but even a different only metal types but even a different burial rite (inhumation rather than the burial rite (inhumation rather than the usual cremation).usual cremation).


The 6The 6thth century production of a century production of a distinctive series of daggers and distinctive series of daggers and dagger sheaths in the Thames reflect dagger sheaths in the Thames reflect the Hallstatt D of Europe.the Hallstatt D of Europe.

Production of such improved Production of such improved prototypes continued through the 5prototypes continued through the 5thth and 4and 4thth centuries, and absorbing centuries, and absorbing after about 450BC the La Tène after about 450BC the La Tène innovations from the Continent.innovations from the Continent.


La Tène-style (1) swords start to La Tène-style (1) swords start to appear on the rivers Thames and appear on the rivers Thames and Witham (Lincolnshire), a few are Witham (Lincolnshire), a few are imports. Yet, many swords in Britain imports. Yet, many swords in Britain seem to follow indigenous styles and seem to follow indigenous styles and may suggest a decline in trade may suggest a decline in trade between Britain and the continent between Britain and the continent beyond the SE.beyond the SE.


Personal ornaments of the La Tene Personal ornaments of the La Tene style are found mainly in southern style are found mainly in southern Britain, the commonest being Britain, the commonest being brooches. The most numerous are La brooches. The most numerous are La Tene (1) brooches c 450-300BC. Tene (1) brooches c 450-300BC. Mainly from the south-east.Mainly from the south-east.

Bracelets of the La Tene type are not Bracelets of the La Tene type are not common in Britain except in the common in Britain except in the Yorkshire area (Arras culture). Yorkshire area (Arras culture).

The Snettisham torquesThe Snettisham torques


Trading between the west of Britain and Trading between the west of Britain and the Atlantic coasts of Gaul (France) and the Atlantic coasts of Gaul (France) and Iberia (Spain) is well attested in Iberia (Spain) is well attested in classical literature and the classical literature and the archaeological record.archaeological record.

Some of the finds in SW Britain belong Some of the finds in SW Britain belong to classes of artifact found in SW to classes of artifact found in SW France and Spain. These finds reflect France and Spain. These finds reflect the Atlantic trade during the late the Atlantic trade during the late Hallstatt and La Tene periods, at least Hallstatt and La Tene periods, at least between 5between 5thth and 2 and 2ndnd century BC. century BC.

Coins during the 1st Coins during the 1st centrury BCcentrury BC

Initially coinage was introduced Initially coinage was introduced from Centic tribes in northern Gaul.from Centic tribes in northern Gaul.

Everyday implementsEveryday implements

Pytheas the Greek and and the discovery of Britain c300BC.

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