Who Were the Selgovae?

Exploring the Ancient Defenders of Southern Scotland

The Selgovae, an ancient tribe that once inhabited what is now southern Scotland, have long intrigued historians and archaeologists alike. Positioned on the north shore of the Solway Firth, the Selgovae were part of a broader group of tribes known for their resistance to Roman expansion. But who were these people? Were they predominantly hunters, as their name might suggest, or were they a warrior society fiercely defending their lands? In this blog, we’ll explore the origins, lifestyle, and impact of the Selgovae, and attempt to answer this question.

Who Were the Selgovae?

The Selgovae were a Celtic tribe that lived in what is now Dumfriesshire, occupying a region that stretched from the Solway Firth up to the River Nith and possibly beyond. Their territory was in modern-day southwest Scotland, a landscape dominated by rivers, estuaries, and hills, which made it both strategically important and difficult to conquer. These lands were valuable to the Romans, not just for their resources but also for their strategic location as a buffer zone between Roman-controlled southern Britain and the wilder northern territories.

The name "Selgovae" has been the subject of considerable debate. Some historians speculate that it is derived from the Gaelic word sealg, meaning "hunt," leading to the theory that the Selgovae were a hunting people. This interpretation fits with their territory, which was rich in wildlife and natural resources. Others, however, argue that this connection is tenuous at best, suggesting that the Selgovae were as much warriors as they were hunters.

The Roman historian Tacitus provides some of the earliest accounts of the Selgovae, although he does not mention them by name. Instead, his works document the campaigns of his father-in-law, Julius Agricola, a Roman general sent to conquer Britain. Tacitus’ writings suggest that Agricola engaged in several campaigns against tribes in northern Britain, including the Selgovae. By the end of Agricola’s campaigns in the late 1st century A.D., it seems likely that the Selgovae were subdued and brought under Roman control, at least temporarily.

Hunters or Warriors?

The debate about whether the Selgovae were primarily hunters or warriors is rooted in both historical interpretation and archaeological evidence. The association of their name with hunting suggests a deep connection to the land and its wildlife. The dense forests, rolling hills, and abundant rivers in their territory would have provided ample opportunity for hunting. Evidence of game animals, such as deer and boar, found in archaeological sites further supports the idea that hunting was an integral part of their lifestyle.

However, to reduce the Selgovae to a tribe of hunters oversimplifies their role in history. Archaeological evidence from hill forts, burial mounds, and weaponry indicates that they were also a formidable warrior society. They occupied key strategic locations, building hill forts to defend their lands from both neighboring tribes and Roman invaders. The presence of these fortifications suggests a highly organized society capable of resisting external threats, whether from other tribal groups or the might of Rome.

The Selgovae were likely part of the larger confederation of tribes known as the Brigantes, who were the dominant force in northern Britain during the 1st century A.D. The Brigantes were well known for their resistance to Roman rule, and the Selgovae, positioned on the northern frontier of Roman Britain, would have been critical in defending against Roman expansion. Their proximity to Roman-occupied territories made them one of the first lines of defense for the non-Romanized parts of Britain.

The Roman Conquest of the Selgovae

The Roman general Julius Agricola launched a series of campaigns in the late 70s and early 80s A.D. that eventually led to the conquest of the Selgovae. Agricola’s strategy was to build a series of forts and defensive lines that would push the frontier of Roman Britain northward, creating a secure boundary and subduing the local tribes. By 79 A.D., Agricola had turned his attention to the Selgovae and their neighboring tribes, including the Novantae, who occupied territory further to the west.

Tacitus tells us that Agricola’s forces moved swiftly through northern Britain, subduing the tribes and establishing Roman control. The Selgovae, though formidable, were no match for the disciplined Roman legions. By the time Agricola’s campaigns ended in the early 80s A.D., the Selgovae had been brought under Roman rule, their lands incorporated into the expanding Roman province of Britannia. However, the Selgovae were not fully Romanized; their culture and way of life likely persisted even under Roman occupation.

Archaeological Evidence: The Selgovae Legacy

Archaeological evidence from the region once occupied by the Selgovae provides a glimpse into their society. Numerous hill forts, such as those at Birrenswark and Wardlaw Hill, indicate that the Selgovae were adept at building defensible positions. These forts were typically located on elevated ground, giving them a strategic advantage over potential attackers. Inside the forts, remains of dwellings, weapons, and everyday tools have been discovered, shedding light on the daily life of the Selgovae.

One of the most significant archaeological sites associated with the Selgovae is the Roman fort at Birrens, near modern-day Lockerbie. Birrens was originally a Selgovae stronghold before being taken over by the Romans, who built a fort there to control the surrounding area. The remains of the fort reveal a complex Roman military structure, but also traces of earlier Selgovae occupation. Excavations at the site have uncovered pottery, weapons, and other artifacts that hint at the blend of Roman and native cultures in the region.

Crannogs, or lake dwellings, found in nearby areas also suggest that the Selgovae were skilled in constructing defensible homes. These crannogs were built on artificial islands in lakes or marshes, making them difficult to attack. The discovery of iron tools, Roman pottery, and bronze ornaments in some of these crannogs indicates that the Selgovae had access to Roman goods, likely through trade or conflict.

Conclusion: A Complex People

The Selgovae were undoubtedly both hunters and warriors. Their name may hint at their reliance on hunting, but their strategic hill forts and fierce resistance to Roman conquest reveal a society equally defined by its warrior culture. As with many ancient peoples, the Selgovae were multifaceted, adapting to their environment and the changing political landscape. They stood on the frontier of Roman Britain, both resisting and, eventually, integrating into the Roman world. Today, their legacy lives on through the archaeological sites scattered across southern Scotland, offering us a glimpse into the lives of these ancient people who straddled the line between hunter and warrior.

Adapted From: Maxwell, H. (1896). A history of Dumfries and Galloway. William Blackwood and Sons.