What sources of info do we have regarding the Celts?
Written:
- Description of Celts by classical writers (greek and roman from 5th-2nd century bC)
- Versions of Celtic legends and sagas recorded by Christian monks in 6th-9th century AD
- NUmerous stories of exploits of King Arthur, Merlin and knights appeared after 12th Century AD.
Archaeology:
Graves, jewellery, anything
What info do we have from classical sources?
- way often went into battle naked
- methods used to provoke their enemies
- way cut off heads of their opponents to be nailed near their homes (cult of the head)
- preference of committing suicide than facing capture
What are the 2 way the classical sources are presented?
- ethnographical approach (study of races and cultures), aim to instruct reader
- historical approach and hope to influences ppl with their work
What do classical writers primarily describe about Celts?
- Classical writers tended to record any features of Celtic culture which intrigued or alarmed them and which emphasises on Celtic’s barbarian nature (religion and war)
How did Celts have relations with Greeks?
predominantly from trade, partic. wine which Celts apparently consumed in large amounts
How did celts have contact with Romans?
conflict and battle from habit of moving from one to another
Polybius describes uncivilised attributed of Celts, raiding Roman controlled area for land.
How are the celts physically described as?
having red/blond hair, men wore long moustaches
What did Pliny and Timagene focus on?
cleanliness and neatness of Gauls of their own period.
Religious sources?
some sources witnessed practices and interpreted what they saw, could be inaccurate or bias
