The Cantiaci were one of the Celtic tribes living in the British Islands, previous to the Roman invasion of Britain. The tribe lived in the south of England, namely in modern Kent, centred around the capital Durovernum Cantiacorum (Canterbury).

During the first Roman expedition to Britain, Julius Caesar landed on the Cantiaci lands. In his writings (De bello gallico v. 14) he wrote:

"Ex his omnibus longe sunt humanissimi qui Cantium incolunt, quae regio est maritima omnis, neque multum a Gallica differunt consuetudine."

"Of all these (British tribes), by far the most civilised are they who dwell in Kent, which is entirely a maritime region, and who differ but little from the Gauls in their customs".

He also mentions four kings: Segovax, Carvilius, Cingetorix and Taximagulus.

Tribal lords

The Cantiaci kings probably extend back in time, but numismatics evidence only supports the following:

• Dubnovellaunus, ruled around 40-30 BC.
• Vosenius , ruled until ca. 15 BC.
• Eppillus, originally the king of the Atrebates, fled his lands to escape an usurper brother and became king of the Cantiaci.
• Cunobelinus, ruled until ca. 30 AD.
• Adminius, son of Cunobelinus, succeeded his father

See also: List of Celtic tribes

External link

• Comprehensive information on Roman Britain