Textoverdi facts for kids

The Textoverdi were an ancient group of people who lived in what is now Northumberland, a county in northern England. They were part of the Celtic Britons, who were the native people of Britain before the Romans arrived. The Textoverdi lived in the upper valley of the River South Tyne.

Some historians think the Textoverdi might have been a smaller part of a larger tribe called the Brigantes. However, other experts believe they were an independent group. This group might have first paid tribute (like a tax or payment) to stronger neighbors. Later, they might have become independent and formed their own relationship with the Romans.

Who Were the Textoverdi?

The name Textoverdi comes from the Common Brittonic language, which was spoken by the ancient Britons. We don't know much about them, which is why some call them "shadowy peoples." Most of what we know comes from a single ancient stone.

The Altar of Satiada

Archaeologists found an interesting stone altar from the 2nd or 3rd century. An altar is a special table or block used for religious ceremonies. This altar has an inscription, which is writing carved into the stone. It was dedicated to a local goddess named Satiada (also called Sattada).

The inscription says it was dedicated by the curia Textoverdorum. This means the "council of the Textoverdi." This suggests the Textoverdi had some kind of organized group or government.

What Does Curia Mean?

The word curia can mean a local senate or council. This would be a group of leaders who made decisions for the Textoverdi.

However, some scholars think curia might be linked to the Celtic word corie. This could mean a local part or section of a larger tribe. If this is true, the Textoverdi might have been a smaller division of the Brigantes tribe.

Where Did They Live?

Experts believe the Textoverdi lived in a specific area. Their main settlement, or "capital," might have been at Beltingham. This place is near the site of Vindolanda, which was a Roman fort. Another possible capital could have been Corbridge, which was also an important Roman site.

The Inscription on the Altar

The writing on the altar is very important because it's one of the only direct pieces of evidence we have about the Textoverdi.

The inscription reads:

DEAE / SAIIADAE / CVRIA TEX / TOVERDORVM / V•S•L•M

This Latin inscription translates to:

"To the goddess Satiada, the council of the Textoverdi willingly and deservedly fulfilled their vow."

This tells us that the Textoverdi had a council. It also shows they worshipped a local goddess, Satiada. They made a vow to her and then fulfilled it, which was a common religious practice in ancient times.