Equaesi facts for kids
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The Equaesi were an ancient Celtic tribe that lived a long time ago in a region called Gallaecia. This area is now the northern part of modern Portugal, specifically between the provinces of Minho and Trás-os-Montes. They lived quite close to what is now the border of Galicia (Spain).
The Equaesi were one of the many tribes that lived in the Iberian Peninsula before the Romans arrived and took control. They were known for their strong connection to the land and their Celtic traditions.
Who Were the Ancient Celts?
The Celts were a group of people who lived across Europe in ancient times. They shared similar languages, cultures, and ways of life. The Celtic tribes in Gallaecia, like the Equaesi, were part of this larger Celtic world. They often lived in fortified villages called castros, which were built on hills for protection.
Life in Gallaecia
Life for the Equaesi and other tribes in Gallaecia involved farming, raising animals, and sometimes trading with neighboring groups. They were skilled at working with metals, especially bronze and iron, to make tools, weapons, and beautiful jewelry. Their society was often organized into clans or families, led by chiefs.
The Romans Arrive
When the powerful Roman Empire expanded into the Iberian Peninsula, they encountered tribes like the Equaesi. The Romans eventually took control of Gallaecia, and the local tribes slowly became part of the Roman way of life. However, the Romans often recognized and sometimes even worked with the local tribes. For example, the Equaesi were noted by the Romans for their help in building the famous Roman Bridge of Chaves. This bridge is still standing today and shows how the Romans and local people sometimes worked together.
See also
- Pre-Roman peoples of the Iberian Peninsula
