Silures

Who were the Silures?

The Silures were an ancient tribal confederation in Britain, occupying the area now known as south-east Wales and possibly some neighbouring regions. They were described as a powerful and warlike people, united by shared cultural values rather than a single central authority. The Silures are noted for their distinct appearance, with ancient sources mentioning dark complexions and curly hair. Their name may relate to ideas of lineage or descent, reflecting a strong sense of kinship among the group.

Where did the Silures live?

The Silures lived in the region corresponding to modern south-east Wales. Their territory included hillforts such as Llanmelin and Sudbrook, and evidence of roundhouses and lowland settlements has been found at sites like Gwehelog and Goldcliff. The landscape is marked by rolling hills, river valleys, and fertile lowlands, which supported both fortified settlements and agricultural activities.

What language did the Silures speak?

The sources do not specify the language spoken by the Silures. However, their name is of Celtic origin, and it is likely they spoke a Celtic language, as did other tribes in ancient Britain. The exact form and fate of their language remain unclear.

How did the Silures live?

There is archaeological evidence of roundhouses and lowland settlements, suggesting the Silures practiced settled living and agriculture. Hillforts provided defense and may have served as tribal centres. The fertile land of south-east Wales would have supported farming, though specific details of their economy and tools are not given in the sources.

How was Silures society organised?

The Silures were likely organized as a confederation of groups with shared cultural values rather than a centralized society. Their name may reflect an emphasis on kinship and descent from a common ancestor. Leadership during times of conflict included figures like Caratacus, who led resistance against the Romans. The sources do not provide detailed information on family structure or marriage customs.

What did the Silures believe?

The Romans identified the local Silurian deity Ocelus with Mars, the Roman god of war, suggesting the Silures had their own religious practices and deities. Romanization led to the blending of local and Roman religious traditions. Archaeological remains such as temples and inscriptions at Caerwent provide evidence of religious life, but specific rituals or beliefs are not described in detail.

The history of the Silures

The Silures fiercely resisted Roman conquest in the first century AD, notably under the leadership of Caratacus. They waged guerrilla warfare and captured Roman prisoners, prompting harsh Roman responses. Despite initial successes, the Silures were eventually subdued, possibly by Sextus Julius Frontinus around AD 78. Under Roman rule, their main town became Venta Silurum (Caerwent), which developed Roman features while retaining some local autonomy. After the Roman period, their territory became part of early Welsh kingdoms, with evidence of cultural continuity.

What became of the Silures?

The Silures no longer exist as a distinct people. Their former territory is now part of Wales, and their legacy survives in archaeological sites and historical records. The name 'Silurian' is used in geology and literature, reflecting the lasting impact of their presence in the region.

Questions people ask about the Silures

Sources and further reading

• Silures on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Silures themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.