TheBergalei were aGallic tribe dwelling in theVal Bregaglia during theIron Age and theRoman period.
The ethnic nameBergalei appears to derive from theGaulish stem for 'mountain, mount', *berga-. It has been translated as the 'highland people'.[1]
The Bergalei lived in theVal Bregaglia, near the settlements of Clavenna (Chiavenna) and Murus (Bondo).[2][3] Their territory was located north of theAneuniates, south of theSuanetes, west of theRugusci.[3]
After their subjugation by Rome in 15 BC, they were integrated into the province ofRaetia.[2]
They are mentioned during the reign ofClaudius (41–54) in the context of an old dispute with the people ofComum.[4][2]
The Bergalei were not part of theRaeti. Two votive inscriptions dedicated to the god MercuriusCissonius attest of a Celtic influence.[2]
