Celts - Romans
The Celts were a diverse group of tribal societies in Iron Age Europe. Celtic culture formed in the Early Iron Age in Central Europe By the later Iron Age, Celts had expanded over a wide range of lands: as far west as Ireland and as far north as Scotland. The Celtic immigrants seem to have mingled with the native population: there is no evidence of them being overwhelmed by a more advanced and warlike invader. It is probable that they formed an elite superimposing their language and their culture.
People lived in farmsteads, hamlets and smalll villages set amongst fields, stock enclosures, pasture and woodland. Houses were round, constructed of timber, wattle and daub. Society was hierarchical headed by a chief with his warband or teulu, a land-owning aristocracy and priestly class. |
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Hill Forts and Promontory Forts were built here at this time. There are many examples close by: a walk around the Castlemartin peninsular will reveal several, within a 10 mile radius of Pembroke. Walls of earth reinforced by timber and stone, were built across the neck of the rocky promontory. People obtained shelter here when enemies threatened. In all probability Pembroke itself may have been a fortified settlement. |
A TRIBAL SOCIETY
By the end of the first century BC, the population of Britain evolved into a number of distinctive tribal groups speaking a common language. At the time of the Roman conquest of Britain in 42AD, Wales as a geographical expression did not exist: the tribes in Wales shared the same laws and customs as those in southern England. Then, we would have been Britons belonging to the Demetae tribe.
TRADE
for some time before the Roman Conquest, there were very active trading links, both in Britain and with the continent. Luxury goods including eg wine were imported and many items including corn, metals and hides were exported. Most trade took place on a barter or exchange basis but towards the end of the Iron Age, there is evidence of currency bars and even the minting of coins.
Celtic Art
Iron Age people displayed a great love of decoration and ornament - swords, shields, torcs etc were beautifully worked with their distinctive artistic style based on geometric circles. Its timeless appeal makes it popular today. This was a sophisticated society and today in Wales this is now widely accepted. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park own and manage Castell Henllys, an inland hillfort near Newport. The roundhouses within the enclosure have been accurately reconstructed on their original foundations, and the whole site is given over to interpreting life in the Iron Age. Regular events at the site re-enact aspects of life in Iron Age Britain and Castell Henllys has won several awards for heritage education
ROME
The Romans, led by Julius Caesar first landed in Britain in 55 and 56BC. Another hundred years was to pass before they came to conquer which event happened in 47AD. The great British leader, Caractacus, led the resistance but was defeated in 51AD. Further conflicts followed and the Romans realising the huge sway the Druids held over the hearts and minds of the Celts proceeded to the Isle of Mon (Anglesey), to wipe them out and their sacred groves. The the Iceni then rebelled under Boudicca in AD61 and almost succeeded but was defeated in the end. Eventually by AD79 the whole country was brought under Roman rule.
And so the tribes had been forcibly subdued rather than brought into the pax Romana. Forts, each holding around 10,000 troops were established to keep control. A large fort was built at Caerleon connected with a road to a further fort at Carmarthen. Only in Pembrokeshire, the territory of the Demetae, were there no Roman forts. The Demetae, continued it would appea, to be ruled by tribal chieftains within the Roman administration. Cooperating with Rome, they were therefore not perceived to be a threat.
The only evidence that the Romans were ever in Pembroke lies in the discovery of Roman coins in Pembroke Castle and at Pennar. But then, trading was well established before the Romans ever invaded so perhaps that in itself was not surprising.
The Roman fleet patrolled the Bristol Channel and it is possible that Milford Haven and even the site of Pembroke Castle may have acted as a base.
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