Bracari facts for kids
The Bracari were an ancient Celtic tribe. They lived in the northwest part of what is now Portugal. Their home was in the Minho area, between the Tâmega and Cávado rivers.
The Romans conquered this region starting in 136 BC. In 20 BC, the Romans built a city called Bracara. Today, this city is known as Braga.
Who Were the Bracari?
The Bracari spoke a Celtic language. We know this from old writings found in their land. For example, an inscription in Braga at the Fonte do Ídolo (which means Fountain of the Idol) is dedicated to the goddess Nabia. Also, the name of their town, Tongobriga, is Celtic.
The Bracari were known as a very strong and brave people. An ancient writer named Appian said they were very warlike. He wrote that Bracari women warriors fought to defend their towns. They never gave up, never ran away, and never cried out.
Their Fortified Towns
The Bracari lived in strong, fortified towns called citadels. These towns bravely fought against the Roman army. Some important citadels were Lambriaca, Avobriga, and Cinania.
Lambriaca and Avobriga were likely near the coast, close to the Ave river. Archaeologists have found ruins of old towns there. One of their main citadels was Citânia de Briteiros. This town was very important at the start of the 1st century. Another town, Cividade de Terroso, shows signs of a Roman attack and conquest.
It is thought that Citânia de Briteiros might have been the ancient town of Cinania. However, this is not certain. Other citadels like Citânia de Sanfins were also nearby. We know that Cinania was a rich town and had an iron mine. The Bracari used this mine to plan a surprise attack on the Roman camp. The Celtic Nemetati tribe might have been allies of the Bracari.
Bracari Neighbors
The Bracari shared their land with other tribes:
- To the south were the Gallaeci Proper and the Narbasi.
- To the north were the Luanci, Nebisoci, and Seurbi.
- To the east were the Nemetati and the Lubaini.
- To the west was the Atlantic Ocean.
The Goddess Nabia
The goddess Nabia was very important to the Bracari people. Many inscriptions dedicated to her have been found in their territory. One famous example is at the Fonte do Ídolo in Braga.
See also
In Spanish: Brácaros para niños
- Castro culture
- Pre-Roman peoples of the Iberian Peninsula
