Segontiaci facts for kids

The Segontiaci were an ancient tribe who lived in Britain a very long time ago, around 2,000 years ago. We only know about them because a famous Roman leader, Julius Caesar, wrote about them. They might have been one of the four main tribes in a part of Britain called Kent.

Who Were the Segontiaci?

The Segontiaci were a group of people living in Iron Age Britain. This was a time before the Romans fully took over Britain. We don't know much about them, only what Julius Caesar wrote. He was a powerful Roman general and writer.

Some historians think the Segontiaci might have been one of four tribes in the area we now call Kent. Caesar mentioned "four kings of that region." This could mean these tribes were important in that area. We also find different types of pottery from that time. These pottery styles help archaeologists understand where different groups lived.

What Does Their Name Mean?

The name Segontiaci means "people of the place of strength." It tells us a little about them. There was a Roman fort built much later in north Wales called Segontium. However, it is probably not the place that gave the tribe its name. The old British word seg-ontio-n meant "strong place." This word could have been used in different areas of Britain.

The Segontiaci and Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar led two invasions of Britain. The second invasion happened in 54 BCE. After Caesar won some battles, he helped a king named Mandubracius get his power back. Mandubracius ruled a tribe called the Trinovantes.

Divided Loyalties

Many Britons did not want the Romans to be in charge. They united around a leader named Cassivellaunus. But not everyone agreed. Some tribes had "divided loyalties." This means they were not sure if they should fight the Romans or make peace.

Caesar wrote that five British tribes sent messengers to his Roman camp. These tribes wanted to talk about peace. The Segontiaci were one of these tribes. The others were the Ancalites, the Bibroci, the Cenimagni, and the Cassi.

Making Peace with Rome

These tribes agreed to tell Caesar where Cassivellaunus's main fort was located. Caesar then surrounded Cassivellaunus's fort. He made Cassivellaunus agree to his terms for peace. When Caesar left Britain, he took some people from the Britons as hostages. This was a way to make sure they would keep their promises. Caesar did not say which tribes had to give hostages.