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Linguistic Evidence for ‘Romanization’: Continuity and Change in Romano-British Onomastics: A Study of the Epigraphic Record with Particular Reference to Bath

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 March 2010

Alex Mullen
Alex Mullen
Affiliation:
Jesus College, University of Cambridge, alm45@cam.ac.uk
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Extract

Based on a new online database of Celtic personal names, this research demonstrates how the study of Romano-British onomastics can shed light on the complexities of linguistic and cultural contacts, complementing archaeological material and literary sources. After an introductory section on methodology, Part One analyses naming formulae and expressions of filiation as evidence for both continuity and change dependent on social and geographical factors. Confusion and contamination between the Latin and Celtic systems proved much less common than on the Continent, where earlier contact with Roman culture and the written tradition for Continental Celtic occasionally facilitated an unusual form of syncretism. Part Two examines the naming formulae attested at Roman Bath and the mechanisms by which Celts adopted Latin names. The case-study of Bath relates continuity and change in both naming formulae and nomenclature to an acceptance of, or resistance to, ‘Romanization’ in Britain.

Keywords

onomasticsnaming formulaefiliationLatinCelticRoman BathRomanization

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Britannia , Volume 38 , November 2007 , pp. 35 - 61
Copyright
Copyright © Alex Mullen 2007. Exclusive Licence to Publish: The Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies

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