Durotriges

The Durotriges were a Celtic tribe who inhabited the area of modern-day Dorset and parts of Wiltshire and Somerset in Britain before and during the Roman conquest. Their territory was located in the southwestern part of the island. Little is known about their social structure and political organization before the Roman arrival, but archaeological evidence suggests they were a prosperous and organized people.

Their settlements, often hill forts such as Maiden Castle and Hod Hill, indicate a degree of sophistication in their defensive architecture and community planning. The Durotriges were known for their distinctive coinage, which provides valuable insights into their culture and economy. Their society appears to have been based on agriculture and trade.

The Durotriges are believed to have resisted the Roman invasion, though the extent of their organized opposition is debated by historians. Roman presence in their territory is evident from the construction of towns like Dorchester (Durnovaria), which became a significant Roman center. Following the conquest, the Durotriges were integrated into the Roman province of Britannia, and their distinct tribal identity gradually diminished over time, though their cultural legacy can still be seen in the landscape and archaeological record of the region.