Tarbelli facts for kids
The Tarbelli were an ancient tribe. They lived in a region called Aquitania in what is now southwestern France. This was during the Iron Age, a time long ago when people used iron tools. The Tarbelli lived in areas known today as Labourd and Chalosse.
They were one of the most powerful groups in Aquitania, along with another tribe called the Auscii. In 56 BC, the Roman army, led by P. Licinius Crassus, took control of their lands. Crassus was a general working for Caesar.
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What Does the Name Tarbelli Mean?
The name Tarbelli has been found in old writings. Julius Caesar mentioned them in the mid-1st century BC. Later, Strabo called them Tárbelloi. Pliny the Elder referred to them as Tarbelli Quattuorsignani. Their name also appears on an ancient stone carving as Tarbellus.
A language expert, Joaquín Gorrochategui, thinks the name might come from the word bel, which means 'black' in the old Aquitanian language.
Where Did the Tarbelli Live?
The Tarbelli lived in the regions of Labourd and Chalosse. Their land was on both sides of the Adour river. This area was near the Atlantic Ocean. To their south were the Vardulli tribe. The Cocosates lived to their north. To their east were the Tarusates, Atures, and Venarni tribes.
Their main town was called Aquae Terebellicae or Aquae Tarbellicae. Today, this town is known as Dax.
What Language Did the Tarbelli Speak?
Historians believe the Tarbelli spoke a language related to the Aquitanian language. This ancient language is thought to be an early form of the Basque language spoken today.
How Was Their Society Organized?
The Tarbelli were not just one group. They were a group of four different tribes working together. This is called a confederation. It is likely that the Cocosates and Tarusates tribes were connected to them and might have been under their influence.
How Did the Tarbelli Make a Living?
The Tarbelli were quite wealthy. They found gold in their land and also had valuable mineral springs. These springs were places where special water came out of the ground, often used for health. Even with these riches, their main jobs were farming and raising animals in fields and meadows.
See also
- Aquitani
- Gallia Aquitania
In Spanish: Tarbelos para niños
