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BRITONS TRIUMPHANT
An Alternate History Timeline of Dark Age Britain
A GLOSSARY OF CELTIC AND SAXON TITLES AND OTHER WORDS USED IN THE TIMELINE
Brenhines: Welsh, "Queen."
Brenin Mawr: Welsh, "High King."
Bretwalda: Saxon, meaning "Lord of Britain." Title given to certain kings who achieved primacy over the other
rulers of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms.
Byddin Mawreddog: "Grand Host." In the timeline, this term refers to the High King's mobile cavalry force, created by King Arthur I and expanded under his successors. This force plays a crucial role in the timeline.
Cadlywydd: Welsh, "General" or "Commander." In the timeline the term refers to the commanding officer of the High King's mobile cavalry force, the Byddin Mawreddog.
Caer: Welsh, "Fortress." This term could be applied to a hill-fort or to a fortified town.
Cantref: Welsh, a land sub-division usually consisting of a town and the territory surrounding it.
Cyngor Mawr: Welsh, "High Council." In the timeline, this refers to the High Council of Britannia, composed of the High King and the sub-kings of the British kingdoms.
Fyrd: In the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, a militia composed of every able-bodied free man which would be called out to supplement the thegns in wartime.
Gymraeg: The native Celtic language of Britannia.
Llywodraethwr: Welsh, "Governor."
Prydein: Celtic name for Britain.
Teulu: Welsh, "war band." In the timeline, refers to the personal guard of a British sub-king, a band of picked and loyal men pledged to defend their lord.
Thegn: Saxon, "Warrior." Refers to the the semi-professional warrior elite of Anglo-Saxon society, personal retainers of the Anglo-Saxon kings who formed the backbone of Anglo-Saxon armies.
Tywysog: Welsh, "Prince."
Rhi: Welsh, "King." In the timeline the term refers to the sub-kings of the British kingdoms, not the High King.
Witanagemot: Saxon, "Meeting of Wise Men." The Witanagemot was a the remnant of the ancient Germanic tribal general assembly which had developed into a convocation of each Anglo-Saxon kingdom's most powerful and important people including senior clergy, ealdormen and the leading thegns. Summoned by the king (and later by regional earls), witanagemots would advise on the administration and organisation of the kingdom, dealing with issues such as taxation, jurisprudence and both internal and external security. The witenagemot was also needed to approve the succession of each monarch.
Celtic backgrounds and dividers on this page are courtesy of
Images of various British cavalry types are courtesy of
The midi file of "Rhwym wrth dy Wregys" ("Forth to the Battle") was composed and is copyrighted by Lesley Nelson-Burns. For more great music like this, please visit her website, THE CONTEMPLATOR'S FOLK MUSIC SITE. Click on the song name and read the lyrics...you will see why it makes perfect background music for this page...be sure to click the "back" button to return here!
Copyright 2004, 2005, 2006 by Robert P. Perkins, all rights reserved. Last updated on 19 August 2006.
