TheSilvanectes (orSulbanectes) were a smallBelgic tribe dwelling around present-daySenlis (Oise) during theRoman period.
They are mentioned asUlmanectes byPliny (1st c. AD),[1] asSoubánektoi (Greek: Σουβάνεκτοι) byPtolemy (2nd c. AD),[2] and asSiluanectas in theNotitia Dignitatum (5th c. AD).[3][4]
The Silvanectes are also attested under the nameSulbanectes in an inscription,[5] and their capital was mentioned ascivitas Sulbanectium in 48 AD.[6]
The etymology of theethnonym remains unclear. It could be a Latinized form ofGaulish*Seluanecti (fromseluā- 'possession, property' > 'herd'; cf.Old Irishselb 'property, possession',Welshar helw 'in possession of'), corrupted under the influence of Latinsilva ('forest').[7] A comparison withOld Irishsulbair ('eloquent') has also been proposed.[6]
The city ofSenlis, attested ca. 400 AD ascivitas Silvanectum ('civitas of the Silvanectes',Sinleti in the 6th c.,Senliz in 1211) is named after the Gallic tribe.[6]
The Silvanectes dwelled southwest of theSuessionnes, near theMeldi and theBellovaci.[5] Their small territory, a depression surrounded by wooded heights, could be easily dominated by the more powerful Bellovaci, to which they were probably tributary.[5]
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