the origin of the name Britain

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fitzcoraldo F
fitzcoraldo Nov 9, 2005 12:28:24
Replying to PeterH

Brigantia was the local goddess.
I think 'new troy' may be stretching things a little beyond credibility, is this an acedemic reference?
The trinovantes were an offshoot of the Belgic peoples

P PeterH
PeterH Nov 9, 2005 12:56:23
Replying to fitzcoraldo

No - Trinovante is widely accepted as meaning New Troy. The Belgae occupied what is now Gloucestershire, parts or Somerset and Wiltshire. They were very recent arrivals and clearly related to the Germanic tribe that gave its name to Belgium

A study of Iron Age tribal names and their origins could tell us a great deal about Iron Age Britain. Unfortunately the only written records are by the Romans who saw the Ancient Brits in much the same way we saw the natives of India during the British Raj.

P PeterH
PeterH Nov 9, 2005 13:05:07
Replying to fitzcoraldo

"Brigantia was the local goddess."

I'm not sure - are you?

Yes, Brigantia is said to be the titular goddess of the Brigantes just as Britannia is said to be the titular goddess of Britain. But it's often the case that names are explained by inventing earlier names eg Britain is named after Brutus. Its all a bit chicken and egg