Atrebates

The Atrebates were a Belgic Celtic tribe who inhabited the area of Hampshire in southern Britain during the Iron Age and Roman period. Their territory was centered around the region that would become known as Calleva Atrebatum, a major Roman town, now modern-day Silchester.

Before the Roman conquest of Britain, the Atrebates were a significant political entity. They were known to have had dealings with the Roman Republic prior to Caesar's invasions of Britain in 55 and 54 BC. Coinage attributed to the Atrebates, featuring names like Commius, suggests a sophisticated level of organization and autonomy. Commius, who had been a general of the Gallic Bellovaci, is believed to have been a key figure, possibly even a king, of the Atrebates in Britain. He had previously aided Caesar in Gaul and was later sent to Britain.

Following the Roman conquest under Claudius in AD 43, the Atrebates became part of the Roman province of Britannia. Their capital, Calleva Atrebatum, developed into an important administrative and commercial center. The tribe appears to have been relatively integrated into the Roman system, with evidence of Romanization in their material culture and settlement patterns. However, like other British tribes, they likely experienced periods of unrest and participation in rebellions, though specific details are scarce. The Atrebates are mentioned by classical authors such as Julius Caesar and Ptolemy, providing valuable insights into their existence and location.