The Celts in Britain | Celtic Inhabitants of Britain | Druids

Summary

This video explores the fascinating history of the Celts in Britain, challenging common misconceptions about their identity and origins. It explains how the Celts, initially known as Britons, migrated to Britain around 700 BC, bringing advanced ironworking and farming technologies. The Celts were organized in tribes with a unique social structure led by Druids, who were priests, lawmakers, and diplomats. The video delves into their lifestyle, spiritual practices, and the challenges they faced during the Roman conquest. The Celts' lasting cultural influence is evident in their art, language, and traditions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Celts in Britain were originally known as Britons, not Celts.
• 😀 The pronunciation of 'Celt' and 'Celtic' can vary depending on context, with a hard C sound being more common historically.
• 😀 The term 'Celt' was adopted in the 18th century and derives from the Greek word 'keltoy', meaning 'barbarians'.
• 😀 The Celts migrated to Britain around 700 BC from Central Europe or Southern Russia and brought advanced ironworking technologies.
• 😀 The Celts displaced earlier inhabitants like the Iberians and Beaker people, who retreated to regions like Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.
• 😀 Celtic society was organized into tribes with distinct customs, gods, and coinage systems.
• 😀 Druids were the intellectual elite of Celtic society, serving as priests, shamans, bards, diplomats, and lawmakers.
• 😀 Children in Celtic society were raised by foster parents, often the brother of the mother, and families were organized in clans.
• 😀 Women in Celtic society had high status, with property rights and the ability to choose their own husbands.
• 😀 The Celts had a rich spiritual life, influenced by the Druids, involving rituals in woodland groves and near sacred waters, though accounts of human sacrifice are debated.
• 😀 The lack of unity among Celtic tribes made them vulnerable to Roman conquest in 43 A.D., leading to their eventual subjugation and the formation of the Romano-British population.

Q & A

Why were the Celts in Britain originally called Britons instead of Celts?

The people who we refer to as Celts were originally known as Britons. The term 'Celt' was not used to describe them initially. It came into use later, around the 18th century, and was derived from the Greek word 'keltoy,' meaning 'barbarians.'

How do the pronunciations of 'Celts' and 'Celtic' vary?

The pronunciation of 'Celts' and 'Celtic' can differ depending on the context and region. Historically and academically, both terms are often pronounced with a hard 'C' sound (Keltic). However, in contexts like the Boston Celtics basketball team, the 'C' is pronounced with a soft sound (Seltic).

Where did the Celts come from before migrating to Britain?

The Celts are believed to have migrated to Britain around 700 BC, likely coming from Central Europe or Southern Russia. They brought with them advanced technologies, such as ironworking, which gave them an advantage over the earlier inhabitants of Britain.

How did the Celts' technology affect the indigenous populations of Britain?

The Celts' advanced ironworking technologies gave them a technological edge over earlier groups like the Iberians and the Beaker people. This led to the displacement of these groups to areas like Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.

What were the Celts' agricultural advancements?

The Celts introduced new plowing methods that allowed them to farm heavier soils, giving them an advantage in agriculture. Their advancements contributed significantly to the development of farming in Britain.

What role did The Druids play in Celtic society?

The Druids were the intellectual elite in Celtic society. They served multiple roles, including priests, shamans, bards, diplomats, and lawmakers. They were responsible for memorizing and preserving religious teachings, tribal history, and laws.

What is the connection between Merlin and the Druids?

Merlin, the famous figure from legend, is often associated with the Druids. He embodies the mystical and intellectual roles that Druids held in Celtic society, as they were thought to be wise and magical figures.

How was child-rearing different in Celtic society?

In Celtic society, children were often raised by foster parents, who were typically the brother of the birth mother. This practice was distinct from modern child-rearing customs, emphasizing the importance of extended family and kinship ties.

What rights did women have in Celtic society?

Women in Celtic society enjoyed relatively high status compared to other ancient societies. They had property rights and the ability to choose their own husbands. Some women, like the famous Queen Boudica, even led revolts against the Romans.

How did the Celts' religious practices influence their daily lives?

Celtic religious practices, heavily influenced by the Druids, were deeply embedded in their daily lives. The Celts conducted rituals in sacred spaces such as woodland groves and near water sources. These practices were secretive, but there are accounts of human sacrifice, though these reports come from Roman sources who viewed the Celts as barbarians.

What led to the eventual conquest of the Celts by the Romans?

The lack of unity among the Celtic tribes made them vulnerable to conquest. When the Romans invaded Britain in 43 A.D., the Celts were unable to mount a unified defense, which eventually led to their subjugation and the formation of the Romano-British population.