The Parisi are known from a description in
Ptolemy's
Geographica (
Geographica II, 3, 10) which locates them to near
Opportunum Sinus ("Good harbour"). Ptolemy is presumed never to have visited
Roman Britain, compiling his work from existing sources, probably in
Alexandria. The tribe is inferred to have been surrounded by the
Brigantes, and with the
Coritani south of them across the
Humber. Ptolemy mentions the Parisi in association with
Petvaria, a town thought to be located close to
Brough, East Riding of Yorkshire. Ptolemy also mentions a promontory
Promontarium Ocellum, which may be either
Spurn Head or
Flamborough Head. The translation and interpretation of Ptolemy's work has not been consistent over time, with differing interpretations creating potential contradictions in the spatial relationship between
Opportunum Sinus and
Petuaria. A more recent interpretation (2005) places both the
Parisi and
Petuaria on the
Opportunum Sinus which leads to the common interpretation of
Opportunum Sinus to be impossible geographically – an alternative feature – the inlet near Brough to
Walling Fen has been suggested. Brough/Petuaria also had a harbour in Roman times (further inland than the current Brough Haven) which has long since silted up, further supporting this interpretation. The Parisi are also mentioned in the forgery
De Situ Britanniae originally credited to
Richard of Cirencester (14th century AD): the Parisi's towns supposedly included
Petuaria and a place
Portus Felix, the locations of which were uncertain, and subject to speculation in the 19th century.
Evidence for link with continental tribes Burials in East Yorkshire dating from the pre-Roman Iron Age are distinguished as those of the
Arras Culture, and show differences from surrounding areas, generally lacking
grave goods, but
chariot burials and burials with swords are known,
Etymology The origin of the name is uncertain; Celticists
John T. Koch and Raimund Karl propose a Celtic linguistic origin, meaning "the commanders", similar to the
Welsh verb
peri (to cause, command or have done, from Proto-Celtic
*kwer-). Linguist
Eric Hamp also links the name to this verb and suggests a meaning of "fighters".
Xavier Delamarre prefers to link the ethnic name to the P-Celtic root
*pario- "cauldron" and translates
Parisi as "they of the cauldrons" (taking their name after a distinctive type of vessel used by the Iron Age Celts). ==Notes==