Powerful, warlike tribal confederation of Iron Age south-east Wales, bordered by the Ordovices, Dobunni, and Demetae. Alongside the exiled Catuvellaunian prince Caratacus, the Silures fiercely resisted the Roman conquest from c. 48 AD, defeating the Second Legion at one point.
Finally subdued by governor Sextus Julius Frontinus in a series of campaigns ending c. 78 AD; Tacitus wrote the tribe 'was changed neither by cruelty nor by clemency.' Later organized as the self-governing Roman civitas of the Silures, centered on Venta Silurum (Caerwent).
Dedicated archaeological/historical study of the Silures.
Standard survey covering British Iron Age tribes including the Silures in regional context.