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Welcome to the Kingdom of Dumnonia
A short history of Dumnonia
Dumnonia is a historical name for a region in southwestern England that includes modern-day Cornwall, Devon, and parts of Somerset and Dorset. It was a Celtic kingdom that was established in the post-Roman period and became part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex in the 9th century.
The name Dumnonia comes from the Celtic tribe of the Dumnonii, who lived in the region during the Roman occupation. The kingdom of Dumnonia was founded by the descendants of the Dumnonii, who established their capital at Dorchester and extended their control over much of southwestern England.
During the 5th and 6th centuries, Dumnonia was a powerful kingdom that played a significant role in the history of western Britain. It was a centre of trade and culture and is considered a major source of tin, an essential commodity in the Roman Empire.
In the 9th century, the kingdom of Dumnonia came under the control of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex, eventually becoming part of England. Today, the region is known for its rich history and cultural traditions, including its distinctive Cornish language, which some people still speak in the region.
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TIMELINE
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Timeline of Dumnonia
Pre-Roman Era: The region was inhabited by the Dumnonii, a Celtic tribe in what is now Devon and Cornwall.
-43 AD: Roman invasion of Britain begins; Dumnonia remains independent mainly, though influenced by Roman trade and culture.
-400s AD: As Roman control weakens, Dumnonia emerges as a distinct kingdom, maintaining Celtic traditions.
-577 AD: The Battle of Deorham sees the Saxons defeat the Britons, cutting off Dumnonia from other British kingdoms.
-600s AD: Dumnonia resists Saxon expansion but gradually loses territory to Wessex.
-710 AD: King Ine of Wessex launches a campaign against Dumnonia, beginning its decline.
-800s AD: Dumnonia is increasingly absorbed into Wessex, with Saxon influence growing.
-Late 9th Century: The kingdom effectively ceases to exist as an independent entity, becoming part of Wessex.
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