Frisian: Fryslân
Fres, Frisia
A province in the northern part of the Netherlands.
Wace says that it was part of Arthur’s empire, and Layamon adds that it was ruled by Kailin. The Alliterative Morte Arthure names its king as Frederick, who joined Mordred’s rebellion against Arthur.
Friesland | 0 – 700 AD
During the early years of this period, Friesland was inhabited by various Germanic tribes, including the Frisians. The region was not directly controlled by the Roman Empire, although there were some Roman incursions and influences along the northern frontier of the empire.
The Migration Period saw significant movement and migration of various Germanic tribes across Europe. The Frisians were among these tribes, and they were known for their maritime skills and seafaring activities. They lived along the North Sea coast, including areas in what is now modern-day Friesland.
By the seventh century, the Frisians had established themselves as a notable and independent group in the region. During this time, the Frisians were organized into a loose confederation of tribes and clans. The Frisian Kingdom was not a centralized state but rather a collection of smaller political entities with a common cultural and linguistic identity. During this period, Friesland had interactions with neighboring regions, including the Frankish Empire. The Franks and Frisians had both peaceful and conflictual interactions, with the Franks attempting to exert influence over the Frisian territories.
The latter part of this period saw the gradual spread of Christianity across Friesland. Missionaries from the Frankish Empire, including Saints Boniface and Willibrord, played a role in converting the Frisians to Christianity. This had cultural and societal implications, as it brought changes to religious practices and social structures.
Sources
Roman de Brut | Wace, c. 1155
Brut | Layamon, late 12th century to mid-13th century
Alliterative Morte Arthure | c. 1400