The Brixentes or Brixenetes were a Celtic or Rhaetian tribe living in the Alps during the Iron Age and the Roman era.
They are mentioned as Brixentes (var.-xenetis, -xenetes) by Pliny (1st c. AD), [1] and as Brixántai (Βριξάνται) by Ptolemy (2nd c. AD). [2] [3] An identification with Strabo's Brigántioi (Βριγάντιοι) has been proposed. [4]
The ethnic name Brixentes might derive from an earlier form *brig-s-ant-, built on the root brig- ('hill, hillfort'). It has been translated as 'those living on hills/hillforts', or as 'those living in *Brigsa/Brigsina'. [5] [6] [3]
According to the ancient geographer Ptolemy, the Brixentes were a Rhaetian tribe. [7]
It is unclear however where in the Alps the Brixentes actually lived. Since they are listed on the Tropaeum Alpium between the Calucones and the Lepontii, modern-day eastern Switzerland or Vorarlberg seems a possible location, which would further corroborate the corresponding information given by Strabo about the Brigántioi and by Ptolemy about the Brixántai. [4]
Another theory, inspired by the similarity to the place name, suggests to locate them at the confluence of the Eisack and Rienz rivers in modern-day South Tyrol, near the modern city of Brixen (if reconstructed as *Brigsa/Brigsina). [8]
They are mentioned by Pliny the Elder as one of the Alpine tribes conquered by Rome in 16–15 BC, and whose name was engraved on the Tropaeum Alpium. [1]
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