The Trinovantes, also spelled Trinobantes, were a Celtic tribe in Pre-Roman Britain. Their land was located on the north side of the Thames estuary in what are now Essex, Hertfordshire, and Suffolk, as well as parts of Greater London. The Trinovantes lived next to the Iceni to the north and the Catuvellauni to the west. Their name may come from the Celtic prefix "tri-" meaning "three" or "very," and another part meaning "new," possibly suggesting "very new" or "very lively people." Their capital was Camulodunum, which is now called Colchester. This city is one possible location of the legendary Camelot.

History

Before Julius Caesar invaded Britain in 55 and 54 BC, the Trinovantes were the most powerful tribe in Britain. Their capital was likely located at Braughing, which is now in Hertfordshire. Some written records from Caesar's Gallic War mention the Trinovantes' king as Imanuentius, while others do not name him. Before Caesar's second invasion, Imanuentius was replaced by Cassivellaunus, who was likely from the Catuvellauni tribe. Imanuentius's son, Mandubracius, escaped to Gaul for protection. During Caesar's second invasion, he defeated Cassivellaunus, helped Mandubracius reclaim his kingship, and made Cassivellaunus promise not to attack him again. An agreement about tribute was also made.

The next known king of the Trinovantes, identified through coins, was Addedomarus, who ruled around 20–15 BC. He moved the tribe's capital to Camulodunum. Around 10 BC, Tasciovanus of the Catuvellauni issued coins from Camulodunum, suggesting he briefly controlled the Trinovantes. However, he later withdrew, possibly due to Roman pressure, as his later coins no longer showed the title "Rex." Addedomarus was then restored as king. Addedomarus was briefly succeeded by his son, Dubnovellaunus, around 10–5 BC. A few years later, the Trinovantes were conquered by either Tasciovanus or his son, Cunobelinus.

The Trinovantes later appeared in history during Boudica's rebellion against the Roman Empire in 60 AD. Their name was used for one of the civitates in Roman Britain, whose main town was Caesaromagus, now known as Chelmsford in Essex. The style of their wealthy burials, similar to those found in Aylesford, shows their connection to the Belgic people.

Mythology

The kings of the Trinovantes are important in Welsh mythology and are also key ancestors in the family histories of medieval Welsh kings. Dubnovellaunus and Mandubracius are known in Welsh stories as Dyfnwal Moelmud (Dubnovellaunus the Bald and Silent) and Manawydan. The Welsh Triads mention Addedomarus as Aedd Mawr (Addedo the Great), who is considered one of the founders of Britain.

In the Historia Regum Britanniae, Geoffrey of Monmouth said the Trinovantes got their name from Trinovantum, which he claimed was the original name for London. He linked the city to Brutus, the legendary founder of Britain.

Popular culture

In the British comedy show Chelmsford 123, which was made by Hat Trick Productions for Channel 4, the main character named Badvoc (played by Rory McGrath) was the leader of a group called The Trinovantes. In the video game Imperator: Rome, The Trinovantes are shown as a group that players can control in the southeastern part of Britain.