Morins

See also: Morin

The Morins are one of the Belgian tribes . They were mentioned for the first time by Jules César, which had some difficulties with them. Their origin (and language) were probably Germanic. César and Tacitus quote them often together with the Ménapiens, of which the Germanic origin is not discussed. Boulogne-sur-Mer was their most important port, the port par excellence to reach in Great Britain for the Romans. Zosime (historian) specifies that Bononia (Boulogne) was Germanic at the end of the fourth century ( Bononia germanorum ).

Their territory, the Morinie , had for Civitas (capital administrative Romaine) Tarvenna , Terwaan in Dutch who will become Thérouanne in French. Morinie extended from the mouth of the the Scheldt in North until the great area around Calais.

Most of their territory made up of Polders, grounds very argillaceous and unsuitable with the dwelling. Morins lived there especially borders some, either in the west, on the coast, or in the east or the south. Their name is derived from the word moer (marsh), word Proto-indo-European reported with sea (French), pond (Latin), etc a commune of the area is still called " Moëres" with dimensions French and De Moeren another commune of with dimensions the belge.
These moëres was from time to time flooded by the sea. Morins threw monticules to build dwellings above. These mounds were called pol. , compare with “ball”, from where pol. ders. Moëres were fertile, with the help of a good drainage.

The number of inhabitants at the time can be estimated at some 100.000 people. Their culture was in spite of their beautiful and quite Celtic language.

Their army did not exceed the 7.000 men and part of this army took part in the famous battle of Alésia.

Morins survive in the modern Belgian province Flanders-Western. They kept their very distinct language, qualified Dialecte in the Dutch, but actually incomprehensible enough linguistic group for the Dutchmen.

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