The BrixentesorBrixenetes were a CelticorRhaetian tribe living in the Alps during the Iron Age and the Roman era.
They are mentioned as Brixentes (var. -xenetis, -xenetes) by Pliny (1st c. AD),[1] and as Brixántai (Βριξάνται) by Ptolemy (2nd c. AD).[2][3] An identification with Strabo's Brigántioi (Βριγάντιοι) has been proposed.[4]
The ethnic name Brixentes might derive from an earlier form *brig-s-ant-, built on the root brig- ('hill, hillfort'). It has been translated as 'those living on hills/hillforts', or as 'those living in *Brigsa/Brigsina'.[5][6][3]
According to the ancient geographer Ptolemy, the Brixentes were a Rhaetian tribe.[7]
It is unclear however where in the Alps the Brixentes actually lived. Since they are listed on the Tropaeum Alpium between the Calucones and the Lepontii, modern-day eastern Switzerland or Vorarlberg seems a possible location, which would further corroborate the corresponding information given by Strabo about the Brigántioi and by Ptolemy about the Brixántai.[4]
Another theory, inspired by the similarity to the place name, suggests to locate them at the confluence of the Eisack and Rienz rivers in modern-day South Tyrol, near the modern city of Brixen (if reconstructed as *Brigsa/Brigsina).[8]
They are mentioned by Pliny the Elder as one of the Alpine tribes conquered by Rome in 16–15 BC, and whose name was engraved on the Tropaeum Alpium.[1]