Who Were the Selgovians?
The history of ancient Scotland is filled with the fascinating legacies of its early inhabitants. Among the tribes that once called this rugged landscape home were the Selgovians, a Brittonic Celtic people who lived during the Roman period in the region that now encompasses modern Annandale, Nithsdale, and Eskdale in Dumfriesshire. This article explores the origins, culture, and resistance of the Selgovians, their complex relationship with the Romans, and the new discoveries that shed light on their enduring legacy.
Who Were the Selgovians?
The Selgovians were part of the Brittonic Celtic tribes that occupied large swaths of southern Scotland during the early centuries AD. Their name is thought to derive from the Brittonic word "selg" or "selgov," meaning "hunters" or "people of the chase". This name likely reflects their reliance on hunting and their expertise in navigating the rivers and forests of their territory. They were closely related to neighboring tribes such as the Votadini to the east, the Novantae to the west, and the Damnonii to the north.
The Selgovians inhabited a strategically important region. Their lands were bounded to the south by the Solway Firth, a natural barrier and a rich tidal estuary, while rivers such as the Nith, Esk, and Annan provided natural routes for transportation, trade, and defense. This landscape of valleys, rolling hills, and rivers not only supported agriculture and hunting but also made the Selgovians natural custodians of key passages between England and the Scottish Highlands.
Selgovian Settlements and Fortifications
One of the most distinctive features of Selgovian life was their extensive use of hillforts and defensive enclosures. Hillforts were fortified settlements constructed on elevated ground to provide natural defense and a vantage point over the surrounding land. Archaeological surveys reveal that the Selgovians built more hillforts than many of their neighbors, possibly reflecting their militaristic society and the need to defend their homeland against repeated incursions.
The Selgovian territory is home to several notable hillforts, including Burnswark Hill, a site that continues to intrigue archaeologists today. Burnswark Hill is unique because it shows evidence of an intense Roman siege, with Roman artillery sites and projectiles discovered during excavations. This strongly suggests that the Selgovians mounted fierce resistance against the Roman invaders.
Another prominent Selgovian site is Eildon Hill North, located near Melrose. Covering approximately 40 acres, this hillfort is believed to have been a tribal center and served as a hub for commerce, governance, and religious activity. The vast size and strategic location of Eildon Hill reflect the importance of the Selgovians within the broader network of Brittonic tribes in southern Scotland.
The Romans and the Selgovians
The Selgovians first encountered the Romans in the late 1st century AD during the campaigns of Gnaeus Julius Agricola, the Roman governor of Britain. Agricola’s campaigns, documented by the historian Tacitus, brought Roman forces deep into Scotland, where they established forts, roads, and garrisons to control the native tribes. The Selgovians, living in the shadow of this expanding empire, found themselves in the direct path of Roman ambitions.
The Roman military strategy against the Selgovians was systematic. They constructed a network of forts and roads to subdue and monitor the population. Some of the most significant Roman forts in Selgovian territory include:
Birrens (Blatobulgium): A large Roman fort near Ecclefechan, which served as a key stronghold for Roman forces. Excavations at Birrens have revealed Roman artifacts such as pottery, coins, and inscriptions, including a dedication to the goddess Brigantia, indicating cultural interactions between the Selgovians and the Romans.
Burnswark Hill: This site demonstrates evidence of one of the most brutal Roman sieges in Scotland. The discovery of Roman sling bullets, artillery bolts, and assault positions suggests the Romans launched a full-scale attack to capture the Selgovian hillfort.
Raeburnfoot: Another Roman fort that functioned as part of a defensive line and supply route during the Roman occupation.
The Romans’ establishment of Hadrian’s Wall in AD 122 marked the formal northern boundary of the Roman Empire. However, their incursions into Selgovian lands did not cease. In the mid-2nd century, during the construction of the Antonine Wall, the Romans renewed their campaign in the north, reoccupying forts like Birrens and Raeburnfoot. By the late 2nd century, however, the Romans began withdrawing southward, abandoning many of their forts as the empire faced increasing challenges.
Daily Life and Culture
The Selgovians were primarily an agricultural and pastoral people, relying on farming, livestock, and hunting for their survival. The fertile valleys of Annandale and Nithsdale provided ideal land for grazing cattle and cultivating crops, while the rivers supplied fish and facilitated trade. Archaeological findings suggest that the Selgovians lived in a mix of small, enclosed settlements and larger hillfort communities.
Evidence of Selgovian craftsmanship has been discovered in excavations across their territory. Tools made of stone, bone, and iron reveal their resourcefulness, while decorative items such as brooches and pins showcase their artistry. Roman goods, including pottery and metalwork, indicate that trade and cultural exchange occurred between the Selgovians and the occupying Romans, even during times of conflict.
Spiritual life was central to Selgovian society. Like other Brittonic tribes, the Selgovians worshipped a pantheon of deities linked to nature. Rivers, forests, and hills were believed to be sacred, and dedications to deities such as Brigantia, a goddess associated with water and fertility, have been found in Selgovian lands.
Recent Discoveries and Insights
Modern archaeological techniques have provided new insights into the lives of the Selgovians. One of the most significant developments is the use of Lidar technology to survey Iron Age settlements in Scotland. A 2022 study revealed over 100 previously unknown settlements north of Hadrian’s Wall, shedding light on the extent and organization of native tribes like the Selgovians. This discovery highlights their ability to establish well-planned communities, even under the pressures of Roman occupation.
Excavations at Burnswark Hill have continued to uncover fascinating details about the Roman siege and Selgovian resistance. Researchers have discovered a massive quantity of Roman sling bullets, some of which had been deliberately modified to whistle through the air—a psychological tactic meant to intimidate defenders. These findings underscore the Selgovians’ determination to resist Roman control, even in the face of overwhelming force.
Ongoing research at sites like Birrens and Eildon Hill continues to expand our understanding of Selgovian society, revealing a sophisticated and resilient people who maintained their identity despite the challenges posed by Roman domination.
The Legacy of the Selgovians
While the Selgovians eventually disappeared as a distinct tribal entity, their influence can still be seen in the landscape and cultural fabric of southern Scotland. Place names such as the River Nith and historical landmarks like Burnswark Hill serve as enduring reminders of their presence. The Cambro-British language spoken by the Selgovians also contributed to the linguistic heritage of the region.
Today, the Selgovians remain a symbol of Scotland’s ancient past. Their story is one of survival, resistance, and adaptation in the face of external pressures. Through continued archaeological research and exploration, we gain a deeper appreciation for the Selgovians’ contributions to Scotland’s history and identity.
Conclusion
The Selgovians were more than just a tribe on the fringes of Roman Britain—they were skilled hunters, farmers, and warriors who shaped the history of Annandale, Nithsdale, and Eskdale. Their interactions with the Romans, their impressive hillforts, and their enduring cultural legacy make them a crucial part of Scotland’s ancient story.
As we continue to uncover new details about the Selgovians through archaeological discoveries and modern technologies, their place in history becomes clearer. The Selgovians remind us of the strength and resilience of the people who first called these lands home, leaving behind a legacy etched into Scotland’s hills, rivers, and valleys.
Adapted From: Brown, J. (1891). The history of Sanquhar: To which is added the flora and fauna of the district. Dumfries: J. Anderson.
