T h e C e l t s. The content of the lecture 1. Introduction (The Iron Age. Hill-fort civilization ) 2. The sources of our information about the Celts.

T h e C e l t s

The content of the lecture

1. Introduction (The Iron Age. Hill-fort civilization)

2. The sources of our information about the Celts 3. Migration of the Celts 5. The Celts and the Celtic way of life:

- Appearance- Social organization- War and Peace (main occupations)- Religious beliefs- Wise women

6. Celtic Sagas 7. The Celtic legacy 8. The Celts today

Maiden Castle, Dorset, a major Iron Age hill fort. From about 1300 BC onwards, there is evidence of a decline of the former civilization based around ceremonial sites, and the emergence of a society based on mixed-farming, trade with the Continent, and hill forts. Maiden Castle, a large and elaborate example, remained in use until the Roman conquest of Britain. Aerofilms

Hill forts for defence and protection proliferated during the Iron Age. Maiden Castle, near Dorchester, Dorset, is the most famous. It was no defence, however, against the Romans. In 44 AD. the second legion, led by the future Emperor Vespasian, conquered it. The mutilated bodies of those they massacred were discovered during excavation.

a classical bronze figurine of a Celtic warrior, naked except for belt, torc, and horned helmet.

The sources of our information about the Celts:

• Archeological excavations

• Written evidence – mostly from the Romans

• Celtic folklore (the Celtic Sagas)

 Daring the period from the 6th tothe 3rd century B.C. a people called the Celts spread across Europe.

Social organization:

• tribal way of life

• types of settlement: villages and farmsteads

• 3 classes: the nobles, the Druids and ordinary people

T h e C e l t s