The first known inhabitants of Britain were the ancient Britons, a group of Celtic-speaking tribes that migrated to the island during the Iron Age.
They were a diverse group, with many different languages, customs, and traditions, and they formed a complex network of societies and cultures.
The Britons were known for their advanced metalworking skills, their artistry in pottery and weaving, and their fierce warrior culture.
In 43 AD, the Roman Empire invaded Britain, and over the next few centuries, they gradually established their control over the island.
The Romans brought with them their own culture and way of life, including their language, religion, and legal system. They built roads, aqueducts, and other infrastructure, and left a lasting impact on British society.
After the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, Britain entered a period of turmoil and instability. The island was invaded by a series of Germanic tribes, including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, who gradually established their own kingdoms and territories.
These tribes were known collectively as the Anglo-Saxons, and they would go on to shape the course of English history.
The question of who the pre-Anglo-Saxon inhabitants of Britain were is a complex one. The Britons were certainly the dominant group in the island before the Roman invasion, but they were not a homogenous group.
There were many different Celtic-speaking tribes, each with their own dialects, customs, and traditions. Some of these tribes, such as the Dumnonii of Devon and Cornwall, the Brigantes of Yorkshire, and the Caledonians of Scotland, had their own distinct identities and cultures.
After the Roman invasion, the Britons were gradually assimilated into Roman culture and society. Many Britons adopted Roman ways of life, including their language, religion, and legal system.
After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Britons were once again subjected to invasion and conquest, this time by the Anglo-Saxons. Some Britons were killed or displaced, while others assimilated into Anglo-Saxon society.
The history of Britain before the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons is a complex and multifaceted one. The ancient Britons were a diverse group of Celtic-speaking tribes, who formed a complex tapestry of societies and cultures.
The Romans left a lasting impact on British society, and the collapse of the Roman Empire led to a period of turmoil and instability.
The question of who the pre-Anglo-Saxon inhabitants of Britain were is a difficult one to answer definitively, but what is clear is that they played a significant role in shaping the course of English history.