Theory that \'Celts\' are a myth

[authun]

The problem is no writings from Pytheas survived. To be sure, most authors (quoting Pytheas or not) use the B-variants. True, in some authors and manuscripts there are P-variants, but it's virtually impossible to determine which is the original form, even though some believe the P-name is authentic and the B-name is the later, Graeco-Roman version of the name.

Yes. I wasn't being entirely serious and insisting on Pretani, merely supporting Ghostmojo's case for using the term Britain. Strabo claimed Pytheas was a falsifier because he couldn't believe Pytheas' feat was possible. But the 2nd hand accounts of his voyage are nonetheless pretty good. I take your point though, if a chinese speaker told me what a place was called and then I tried to write it in english, I'd be lucky to get close to what was meant.

When Pytheas inquired of the Briton, what is this place called, Pretani could, for all we know, have been a rather rude response. :lol:

cheers
authun