Celtic migration to Galicia in the Middle Ages

Romano-British migration in the early 6th century

The Celtic migration to Galicia in the Middle Ages occurred in the early 6th century when a large number of Romano-British refugees (fleeing the Anglo-Saxon invasion of Britain) sought to settle in the Kingdom of the Suebi in what is today the autonomous community of Galicia. ^[1] Subsequently, this settlement came to be known as the region of Britonia.

Religious significance

In 572, king Miro of the Suebian Kingdom convened the Second Council of Braga, inviting bishops from across the realm to participate. ^[2] Among them was Maeloc, a Romano-Briton representing the local population of Britonia. Records from the council make mention of an episcopal see called the sedes Britonarum (literally "See of the Britons"). ^[3]

The sedes Britonarum continued to function throughout the course of the 7th century. Today, it's part of the Diocese of Mondoñedo-Ferrol.

Modern linguistic & toponymic legacy

There are a number of placenames in northern Spain with linguistic roots dating back to Romano-British settlement in the Early Middle Ages. Examples include the community of Bertoña (municipality of A Capela), the community of Bretelo (province of Ourense), and a beach called Playa de Bretones (autonomous community of Asturias). ^[4]

References

1. Young, Simon (2002). Britonia: camiños novos. Serie Keltia. Noia: Toxosoutos. ISBN   978-84-95622-58-7.
2. "Henry Wace: Dictionary of Christian Biography and Literature to the End of the Sixth Century A.D., with an Account of the Principal Sects and Heresies. - Christian Classics Ethereal Library". www.ccel.org. Retrieved 2026-01-02.
3. Koch, John T., ed. (2005). Celtic Culture: A Historical Encyclopedia [5 volumes] (1 ed.). ABC-CLIO. doi:10.5040/9798400624070. ISBN   979-8-4006-2407-0.
4. Young, Simon (2002-01-01). "Note: Iberian addenda to Fleuriot's Toponymes". Peritia. 16 (1): 479–482. doi:10.1484/j.peri.3.506. ISSN   0332-1592.