Damnonii

/dæmˈnoʊnaɪ/ noun

Definition

The Latin name for an ancient Celtic tribe inhabiting the southwestern peninsula of Britain, corresponding to modern Devon and Cornwall.

Etymology

Latin form of the Brythonic tribal name, as recorded by Roman historians. The exact etymology is uncertain but may relate to Celtic roots meaning 'deep' or references to rivers and valleys in their territory.

Kelly Says

Roman geographers called them 'Dumnonii' in most texts, but 'Damnonii' appears in some sources, showing how even the Romans couldn't quite agree on how to spell the names of the fierce Celtic traders who monopolized European tin supplies.

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