la tène civilisation the rise and fall of a celtic civilisation c450bc- 100ad

La TLa Tèène ne CivilisationCivilisation

The Rise and Fall of a Celtic Civilisation c450BC-The Rise and Fall of a Celtic Civilisation c450BC-100AD100AD

La Tène, lac de Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

The Formation of La TThe Formation of La TèneèneThe new era takes its name from a The new era takes its name from a

famous archaeological site in Switzerland. famous archaeological site in Switzerland. Once again it is mainly finds from Once again it is mainly finds from cemetaries which provide us with an cemetaries which provide us with an image of the first Celts.image of the first Celts.

There are few written sources which There are few written sources which document this period of emergence document this period of emergence (c450BC), so we depend on archaeology.(c450BC), so we depend on archaeology.

The Formation of La TThe Formation of La TèneèneTypical of this new era is a different artistic Typical of this new era is a different artistic

style, again subject to influences from the style, again subject to influences from the Mediterranean.Mediterranean.

This time however, this was not merely This time however, this was not merely imitation of Greek and Etruscan originals, imitation of Greek and Etruscan originals, but but gave rise to new creations with an gave rise to new creations with an unmistakable and original art-style.unmistakable and original art-style.

The Formation of La TThe Formation of La TèneèneDespite evidence of some continuity in the Despite evidence of some continuity in the

Hallstatt areas, there is considerable Hallstatt areas, there is considerable evidence that the areas immediately to the evidence that the areas immediately to the north (the cradle of La Tene culture) imported north (the cradle of La Tene culture) imported specific kinds of item from the north of Italy, specific kinds of item from the north of Italy, items not found in the Hallstatt regions.items not found in the Hallstatt regions.

This leads to the conclusion that a new trade This leads to the conclusion that a new trade axis had been formed linking the Moselle axis had been formed linking the Moselle chieftains directly with the Etruscan cities of chieftains directly with the Etruscan cities of northern Italy (c500-450BC).northern Italy (c500-450BC).

The Formation of La TThe Formation of La TèneèneBy the middle of the fifth century the By the middle of the fifth century the

centre of innovation in western Europe centre of innovation in western Europe (Celtic Europe) had moved decisively (Celtic Europe) had moved decisively away from the Burgundy-S. Germany axis away from the Burgundy-S. Germany axis (Hallstatt D), to the more northerly Marne-(Hallstatt D), to the more northerly Marne-Moselle-Bohemia arc where the new La Moselle-Bohemia arc where the new La Tene culture flourished.Tene culture flourished.

The Formation of La TThe Formation of La TèneèneThe spread of La Tene art styles throughout The spread of La Tene art styles throughout

Europe was a remarkable phenomenon.Europe was a remarkable phenomenon. It could be argued that La Tene art was the It could be argued that La Tene art was the

first truly pan-European art style.first truly pan-European art style. Its spread to the south and the east of the Its spread to the south and the east of the

Marne-Moselle region was accelerated by Marne-Moselle region was accelerated by folk movements.folk movements.

But its adoptionin the west and the north, as But its adoptionin the west and the north, as far as Ireland and Scotland, is a far more far as Ireland and Scotland, is a far more complex development.complex development.

The Formation of La TThe Formation of La TèneèneIt has been suggested that knowledge of It has been suggested that knowledge of

La Tene art spread to Britain and Ireland La Tene art spread to Britain and Ireland via Brittany (Armorica). Items found in via Brittany (Armorica). Items found in Britain can be compared with variations of Britain can be compared with variations of La Tene styles found in Brittany.La Tene styles found in Brittany.

But there is also evidence that other parts But there is also evidence that other parts of Britain received their concepts of LT by of Britain received their concepts of LT by way of the southern North Sea area, which way of the southern North Sea area, which would have impacted mainly on the East would have impacted mainly on the East Coast of Britain.Coast of Britain.

The Formation of La TThe Formation of La TèneèneThese ‘trade routes’ had already been These ‘trade routes’ had already been

extensively used in the Bronze Age extensively used in the Bronze Age period.period.

The origins of the La TThe origins of the La Tène styleène style

The first representations of this art are The first representations of this art are found on brooches and clasps (fibulae), found on brooches and clasps (fibulae), and later on scabbardsm swords, helmets, and later on scabbardsm swords, helmets, torques, knives, pottery, flagons, and torques, knives, pottery, flagons, and coins.coins.

Wild life and imaginary animals are a Wild life and imaginary animals are a frequent motif. Winged animals. Animals frequent motif. Winged animals. Animals with human faces. Horses with human with human faces. Horses with human faces, birds heads, animal heads.faces, birds heads, animal heads.

The origins of the La TThe origins of the La Tène styleène styleNumerous attempts have been made to Numerous attempts have been made to

interpret such objets in the light of what we interpret such objets in the light of what we know about later Celtic religion.know about later Celtic religion.

Some of the ‘mask fibulae’ which had Some of the ‘mask fibulae’ which had human faces were buried for ritual reasons.human faces were buried for ritual reasons.

But since most of this ‘new’ art seems But since most of this ‘new’ art seems notnot to be a direct development of Hallstatt art to be a direct development of Hallstatt art (eg the Hochdorf burial), what can be said (eg the Hochdorf burial), what can be said about their origins?about their origins?


Paul Jacobsthal, one of the major scholars Paul Jacobsthal, one of the major scholars in the field of Celtic art, was responsible in the field of Celtic art, was responsible for developing the idea that, besides for developing the idea that, besides having Etruscan roots, the formal Celtic having Etruscan roots, the formal Celtic language of art, had other eastern language of art, had other eastern European origins belonging to the European origins belonging to the Scythians and the Thracians, whose own Scythians and the Thracians, whose own art had been influenced by the Persians art had been influenced by the Persians (Iranian art).(Iranian art).

The origins of the La TThe origins of the La Tène styleène styleIn Scythian culture, objects with animal In Scythian culture, objects with animal

heads are frequently found.heads are frequently found.From Kleinaspergle, one of the items From Kleinaspergle, one of the items

found, the depiction of rams’ heads on the found, the depiction of rams’ heads on the drinking horns is reminiscent of the drinking horns is reminiscent of the Scythian artifacts from southern Russia.Scythian artifacts from southern Russia.

Perhaps the LT Celts did not have a well-Perhaps the LT Celts did not have a well-developed trade system with peoples of developed trade system with peoples of the east (as they had with the the east (as they had with the Mediterranean peoples).Mediterranean peoples).


But certain objects given as diplomatic But certain objects given as diplomatic gifts may have had a significant influence gifts may have had a significant influence upon the emerging Celtic art of the early upon the emerging Celtic art of the early La Tene period.La Tene period.

All the evidence suggests that, at the level All the evidence suggests that, at the level of the ruling classes, there were indeed of the ruling classes, there were indeed contacts.contacts.

Differences between Hallstatt and La Differences between Hallstatt and La TeneTene

Another significant difference was the Another significant difference was the prevalence of weapons in the La Tene prevalence of weapons in the La Tene graves.graves.

Many of the male deceased, not only the Many of the male deceased, not only the elite, were accompanied by their swords elite, were accompanied by their swords and spears, and occasionally their and spears, and occasionally their helmets.helmets.

In the Hallstatt D graves, only knives (for In the Hallstatt D graves, only knives (for feasting and hunting) were generally feasting and hunting) were generally found.found.

Differences between Hallstatt and La Differences between Hallstatt and La TeneTene

we may speculate:we may speculate:One possibility is that the communities to One possibility is that the communities to

the north of the Hallstatt regions had for the north of the Hallstatt regions had for some time been occupied in raiding to some time been occupied in raiding to acquire slaves and other commodities acquire slaves and other commodities which they exchanged with the Hallstatt which they exchanged with the Hallstatt elites.elites.

Increasing demands for such commodities Increasing demands for such commodities would have exacerbated their warlike would have exacerbated their warlike tendencies.tendencies.

Migrations of La TMigrations of La Tèène ‘Celts’.ne ‘Celts’.Undoubtedly, the period c500BC was a Undoubtedly, the period c500BC was a

time of upheaval, leading eventually to the time of upheaval, leading eventually to the dominance of elites and specifically, dominance of elites and specifically, ‘peoples’ whom we call La Tene Celts.‘peoples’ whom we call La Tene Celts.

Within about one hundred years Within about one hundred years (c400BC), we witness huge folk-(c400BC), we witness huge folk-movements, now reflected in the classical movements, now reflected in the classical writings of the Greeks, north of the Alps.writings of the Greeks, north of the Alps.

Migrations of La TMigrations of La Tèène ‘Celts’.ne ‘Celts’.Celtic-speaking peoples poured through Celtic-speaking peoples poured through

the Alpine passes, to conquer and raid the Alpine passes, to conquer and raid northern Italy. They will settle in the Po northern Italy. They will settle in the Po Valley. With this major event, trade with Valley. With this major event, trade with Etruria ends, and a more detailed history Etruria ends, and a more detailed history of the Celts can begin.of the Celts can begin.

At the same time, other Celtic ‘peoples’ At the same time, other Celtic ‘peoples’ went east along the Danube river valley, went east along the Danube river valley, and into the Balkans, and within a century and into the Balkans, and within a century had reached Greece, and eventually had reached Greece, and eventually Anatolia (Turkey).Anatolia (Turkey).

Migrations of La TMigrations of La Tèène ‘Celts’.ne ‘Celts’.These were undoubtedly La Tene Celts, These were undoubtedly La Tene Celts,

and probably most of the emigration came and probably most of the emigration came from Marne- Moselle areas. Some of the from Marne- Moselle areas. Some of the same tribal names are found there and in same tribal names are found there and in eastern France and northern Italy.eastern France and northern Italy.

However, the migrations may have come However, the migrations may have come from a variety of areas. In many cases the from a variety of areas. In many cases the archaeology cannot help.archaeology cannot help.

Note that there is no suggestion of Note that there is no suggestion of migrations to Britain and Ireland.migrations to Britain and Ireland.

La Tene Celts in FranceLa Tene Celts in France

Gaulish polities 1st century BCGaulish polities 1st century BC

Defining ‘Gaul’

Aeduan warriorsAeduan warriors

Bibracte (Mont-Beuvray)Bibracte (Mont-Beuvray)

BibracteBibracte

Coins from BibracteCoins from Bibracte

The The Revolt by VercingetorixRevolt by Vercingetorix

The beginning of the The beginning of the end of the Continental end of the Continental

Iron Age (La TIron Age (La Tène).ène).

Caesar’s Invasion of Gaul, Caesar’s Invasion of Gaul, 58BC-51BC58BC-51BC

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallic_Wars

The Revolt by VercingetorixThe Revolt by Vercingetorix

The resistance of the Belgae in the north, The resistance of the Belgae in the north, especially the courage of the Eburones, especially the courage of the Eburones, under their leader Ambiorix, helped to under their leader Ambiorix, helped to inspire the spirit of resistance which flared inspire the spirit of resistance which flared up in the winter of 53-52BC.up in the winter of 53-52BC.

Events at Rome gave the Gauls further Events at Rome gave the Gauls further reason to hope for success in destroying reason to hope for success in destroying or expelling the invaders, for tension was or expelling the invaders, for tension was growing between Caesar and Pompey.growing between Caesar and Pompey.

Vercingetorix (*Wer-kingeto-riks)Vercingetorix (*Wer-kingeto-riks)

‘‘Vercingetorix, summae potentiae Vercingetorix, summae potentiae adulescensadulescens’-Caesar’-Caesar

ARVERNIAN COIN


While Caesar was wintering in northern While Caesar was wintering in northern Italy, the whole of Gaul erupted in revolt, Italy, the whole of Gaul erupted in revolt, trapping the legions in their camps, and trapping the legions in their camps, and separating them from Caesar.separating them from Caesar.

Almost all the Gallic tribes rose up against Almost all the Gallic tribes rose up against Rome, even, finally, the pro-Roman Rome, even, finally, the pro-Roman people the Aedui would put their Gallic people the Aedui would put their Gallic identity first.identity first.

The surrender by VercingetorixThe surrender by Vercingetorix52BC at Alesia52BC at Alesia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Alesiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Alesia

The The devotiodevotio of Vercingetorix of Vercingetorix

Lionel Royer

1852-1926

The devotio of VercingetorixThe devotio of Vercingetorix Then, climbing down from his horse, he took the Then, climbing down from his horse, he took the

ornements from his horse, and undid his own ornements from his horse, and undid his own armour and threw them to the ground, armour and threw them to the ground, whereapon he sat down at the feet of Caesar whereapon he sat down at the feet of Caesar without uttering a word.without uttering a word.

Much of this seems consistent with the warrior Much of this seems consistent with the warrior rituals of Celtic religion. The best armour and rituals of Celtic religion. The best armour and weapons, he is with his horse, the encirling of weapons, he is with his horse, the encirling of Caesar on the right side-Caesar on the right side-


Plutarch recorded that a million men died during Plutarch recorded that a million men died during the Gallic wars, and another million were the Gallic wars, and another million were enslaved. enslaved.

Caesar gives the impression that he left Gaul at Caesar gives the impression that he left Gaul at peace, but it was at a huge human cost. The peace, but it was at a huge human cost. The land was devastated and stripped of its gold land was devastated and stripped of its gold (from sanctauries and shrines). All this financed (from sanctauries and shrines). All this financed Caesar’s bid for power at Rome until fate caught Caesar’s bid for power at Rome until fate caught up with him in 44BC, when he was assasinated.up with him in 44BC, when he was assasinated.

The Druids in La Tene The Druids in La Tene CivilisationCivilisation

The DruidsThe Druids

..

Julius Caesar: Julius Caesar: De Bello Gallico De Bello Gallico

Natio est omnis Gallorum admodum dedita Natio est omnis Gallorum admodum dedita religionibusreligionibus

In all of Gaul, there are two classes of men who are of In all of Gaul, there are two classes of men who are of some rank and honour. some rank and honour.

The first of these are the druids and second the The first of these are the druids and second the warrior class.warrior class.

The druids intervene in divine matters. They look after The druids intervene in divine matters. They look after public and private sacrifices, they interpret religious public and private sacrifices, they interpret religious mattersmatters

Young men ‘rush’ to them for instruction for the druids Young men ‘rush’ to them for instruction for the druids have great honour amongst themhave great honour amongst them..

Julius Caesar Julius Caesar De Bello Gallico c De Bello Gallico c 50-44BC50-44BC

They settle all public and private disputes They settle all public and private disputes (judges in trials), and if some crime has been (judges in trials), and if some crime has been committed, or if a slaying has taken place, or committed, or if a slaying has taken place, or if it concerns an inheritance or a border if it concerns an inheritance or a border dispute, the same druides (druids) decide.dispute, the same druides (druids) decide.

They settle the compensation and the They settle the compensation and the punishment.punishment.

If someone does not yield to these decisions If someone does not yield to these decisions they are prohibited from sacrifices. (a very they are prohibited from sacrifices. (a very serious punishment).serious punishment).


Those who fall into this category are Those who fall into this category are shunned (….) and penance does not shunned (….) and penance does not restore their rights nor their (lost) honour.restore their rights nor their (lost) honour.

Of all the druids one precedes who has Of all the druids one precedes who has the highest authority among them.the highest authority among them.

When this one dies, either the one who When this one dies, either the one who excels the most in status takes over, or if excels the most in status takes over, or if there are many who are suitable, by a vote there are many who are suitable, by a vote of the druids they contend for leadership, of the druids they contend for leadership, sometimes even contending with arms.sometimes even contending with arms.


At a certain time of the year, they sit down At a certain time of the year, they sit down in a consecrated place in the territory of in a consecrated place in the territory of the Carnutes (near Chartres, France) the Carnutes (near Chartres, France) which region is deemed to be the centre of which region is deemed to be the centre of all Gaul.all Gaul.

To this place all come from everywhere who have To this place all come from everywhere who have disputes and the druids deliberate and propse decisions.disputes and the druids deliberate and propse decisions.

It is believed that training for druids was discovered in It is believed that training for druids was discovered in Britain and later brought to Gaul. Those who wish to Britain and later brought to Gaul. Those who wish to study the matter fully depart for Britain.study the matter fully depart for Britain.

Training in BritainTraining in Britain

The reference to training in Britain (the ‘home’ The reference to training in Britain (the ‘home’ of druidism), is fascinating because similar of druidism), is fascinating because similar kinds of references are made in later early kinds of references are made in later early medieval Irish writings.medieval Irish writings.

Irish heroes are described as coming to ‘Alba’ Irish heroes are described as coming to ‘Alba’ (later this meant only Scotland) to complete (later this meant only Scotland) to complete their studies in magic- eg the Children of their studies in magic- eg the Children of Calatin, ‘they sought all the druids of the world”.Calatin, ‘they sought all the druids of the world”.

Probably this implies druidic sanctuaries, or Probably this implies druidic sanctuaries, or islands.islands.

Julius Caesar Julius Caesar De Bello GallicoDe Bello Gallico

The druids do not carry arms in battle, and The druids do not carry arms in battle, and they are exempt from taxation. They are they are exempt from taxation. They are also exempt from lawsuits.also exempt from lawsuits.

This is one of the reasons that young men This is one of the reasons that young men are attracted by the druidic profession.are attracted by the druidic profession.

They are said to commit to memory great They are said to commit to memory great numbers of verses.numbers of verses.

They use Greek letters are used by them in They use Greek letters are used by them in public and private transactionspublic and private transactions..


Their major religious belief is that the soul does Their major religious belief is that the soul does not die but crosses over after death from one not die but crosses over after death from one place to another and this they believe is the place to another and this they believe is the greatest incentive to bravery by disregarding greatest incentive to bravery by disregarding the fear of death.the fear of death.

They also debate the movement of the heavens They also debate the movement of the heavens (=ethno-astrology), the size of the universe and (=ethno-astrology), the size of the universe and the earth, the workings of nature, the strength the earth, the workings of nature, the strength and power of the gods-this is what they teach to and power of the gods-this is what they teach to the young men.the young men.


Druids administer sacrifices to placate the gods Druids administer sacrifices to placate the gods in times of war and peace, personal or in times of war and peace, personal or communal.communal.

It is judged that unless for a man’s life a man’s It is judged that unless for a man’s life a man’s life is given back, the will of the immortal gods life is given back, the will of the immortal gods cannot be placated.cannot be placated.

DRUIDS and SacrificeDRUIDS and Sacrifice

Others have effigies of great size Others have effigies of great size interwoven with branches, the limbs of interwoven with branches, the limbs of which are filled up with living people which which are filled up with living people which are set alight from below.are set alight from below.

Human sacrificial victims are taken from Human sacrificial victims are taken from those found guilty of theft, brigandage or those found guilty of theft, brigandage or other crimes. When there are no other crimes. When there are no candidates, victims are taken from the candidates, victims are taken from the ranks of the innocent.ranks of the innocent.

Sacrifice scene from the Sacrifice scene from the Gundestrup caudron c100BCGundestrup caudron c100BC


The druids of Gaul proclaim that they are The druids of Gaul proclaim that they are all sprung from the same father Dis.all sprung from the same father Dis.

They define the space of time not by the They define the space of time not by the number of days but of nights.number of days but of nights.

They observe birthdays and the They observe birthdays and the beginnings of months and years in this beginnings of months and years in this way so that day follows night.way so that day follows night.


They learn by heart a great number of They learn by heart a great number of verses; some people remain twenty years verses; some people remain twenty years under training, and they do not think it under training, and they do not think it proper to commit these utterances to proper to commit these utterances to writing.writing.

La TLa Tèène Religionne Religion

CERNUNNOS?


ESUS

La TLa Tèène Religionne ReligionWild boar

MOCCOS


EPONA


ROSMERTA


THE MATRES

Language in the Iron AgeLanguage in the Iron Agehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaulish_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaulish_language

Talking to the Gauls and the BritonsTalking to the Gauls and the Britons The language of Asterix…The language of Asterix… The language of Vercingetorix…The language of Vercingetorix… The language of the druids…The language of the druids…

Inscriptions on potteryInscriptions on pottery

Often bilingual or in mixed Latin-GaulishOften bilingual or in mixed Latin-Gaulish:: Nata uimpi curmi da Nata uimpi curmi da pretty girl give beerpretty girl give beer Taurina uimpi Taurina uimpi pretty bull girlpretty bull girl Geneta immi daga uimpi- Geneta immi daga uimpi- I am a young girl I am a young girl

good and pretty.good and pretty. Neddamon delgu Neddamon delgu linda-I contain the drinks linda-I contain the drinks

of the nearestof the nearest

Drinking vesselsDrinking vessels

Ibetis uciu, andecari biiteIbetis uciu, andecari biite Drink from this and you will be very Drink from this and you will be very

amiableamiable)) Ouenikou medouOuenikou medou Friendly through meadFriendly through mead.. Vercobretos readdasVercobretos readdas The magistrate provided (Argenton-sur-The magistrate provided (Argenton-sur-

Creuse)Creuse)

The Lezoux plate 1973 protective charmThe Lezoux plate 1973 protective charm

meamobi molatus certiognu sueticon meamobi molatus certiognu sueticon (praise by the worst is self-damaging to (praise by the worst is self-damaging to the righteous)the righteous)

Nu gnate ne dama gussou (now my boy Nu gnate ne dama gussou (now my boy do not yield to violence)do not yield to violence)

Batoron ueia suebreto (one should not go Batoron ueia suebreto (one should not go one’s way by one’s own judgement)one’s way by one’s own judgement)

The magical texts of Chamalières The magical texts of Chamalières and Larzacand Larzac

Chamalières (12 lines) discovered in 1971.Chamalières (12 lines) discovered in 1971.

Chamalieres tablet

ChamaliChamalièères tabletres tablet

ChamaliChamalièèresres

The lead plate fround in Chamalieres The lead plate fround in Chamalieres (Puy-de-Dome) came from a Gallo-Roman (Puy-de-Dome) came from a Gallo-Roman site, and are now conserved in the site, and are now conserved in the Bourgoin museum in Clermond-Ferrand.Bourgoin museum in Clermond-Ferrand.

Probably from the 1st century AD.Probably from the 1st century AD. The well at the site would have been used The well at the site would have been used

for votive offerings, including such as the for votive offerings, including such as the Chamalieres tablet.Chamalieres tablet.


Magic charms would be deposited in such Magic charms would be deposited in such wells and where there were thermal wells and where there were thermal waters, as also happened in Bath waters, as also happened in Bath (England) in honour of the goddess Sulis.(England) in honour of the goddess Sulis.

The Chamalieres tablet has twelve lines.The Chamalieres tablet has twelve lines. The translation is tentative.The translation is tentative. Pierre-Yves Lambert:Pierre-Yves Lambert:


I invoke Maponos (of the Auvergne?) by I invoke Maponos (of the Auvergne?) by the power of the gods of the Underworld…the power of the gods of the Underworld…that you torture by the magic of the that you torture by the magic of the Underworld gods the following (…) and all Underworld gods the following (…) and all those who swear this false oath. As those who swear this false oath. As regards the one who swore it, may all his regards the one who swore it, may all his straight bones be bent. I see him straight bones be bent. I see him blind ?.......(unclear).blind ?.......(unclear).

Celtic BritainCeltic Britain

The probable route taken by the Greek traveller Pytheas 310BC

The tribes of Britain c100BC.The tribes of Britain c100BC.

Hillforts of the British tribesHillforts of the British tribes

DANESBURY

ABERYSTWYTH

YARNBURY, WILTSHIRE

BRITISH COINAGE C20AD

The ROMANS IN BRITAINThe ROMANS IN BRITAIN

Julius Caesar ‘visits’ in 55Bc, 54BC (routs Julius Caesar ‘visits’ in 55Bc, 54BC (routs Catuvellaunus).Catuvellaunus).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassivellaunushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassivellaunus

Claudian Invasion of Britain, 43ADClaudian Invasion of Britain, 43AD http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_conquest_of_Britainhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_conquest_of_Britain

Boudican Revolt 60ADBoudican Revolt 60AD http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boudicahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boudica

Romans in Britain (2)Romans in Britain (2)

The Battle of Mons Graupius 83AD, The Battle of Mons Graupius 83AD, Calgacus.Calgacus.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mons_Graupiushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mons_Graupius

Romanization of Celtic Britain. The Romanization of Celtic Britain. The Romano-Britons.Romano-Britons.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romano-British_culturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romano-British_culture

The Revolt of BoudicThe Revolt of Boudicā of the Iceniā of the Iceni60AD60AD

THE DEFEAT OF THE SOUTHERN BRITONS BY THE ROMANS

Languages and Languages and GeographiesGeographies

The creation of Celtic cultures: The creation of Celtic cultures: medieval and modern.medieval and modern.

Continuity at work.Continuity at work.

What happened to Gaulish?What happened to Gaulish?

The Celts of Europe: what happened to The Celts of Europe: what happened to them? The fate of Gaulish.them? The fate of Gaulish.

Wide adoption of Latin. When Christianity Wide adoption of Latin. When Christianity was introduced, it was as part of late Latin was introduced, it was as part of late Latin culture.culture.

Rural areas of France may well have Rural areas of France may well have preserved the use of Gaulish for two or preserved the use of Gaulish for two or three more centuries after the Conquest of three more centuries after the Conquest of Gaul (first century BC).Gaul (first century BC).

What happened to Gaulish?What happened to Gaulish?

Certainly some Gaulish loan words found Certainly some Gaulish loan words found their way into the French language (eg their way into the French language (eg arpente, cervoise, alouette…).arpente, cervoise, alouette…).

The main reason probably for the rapid The main reason probably for the rapid decline of Gaulish was the societal decline of Gaulish was the societal upheaval that followed the Conquest. The upheaval that followed the Conquest. The old tribal society with its unpopular system old tribal society with its unpopular system of land-owning elites and clients gave way of land-owning elites and clients gave way to a different system based not on hillforts to a different system based not on hillforts but on small townsbut on small towns. .

The Creation of the CelticThe Creation of the CelticNationsNations

Three major population movements redefined the Three major population movements redefined the geographies of Celtic Britain after the Romans.geographies of Celtic Britain after the Romans.

1.1. The settlement of Irish speakers in western The settlement of Irish speakers in western Scotland and the Hebrides.Scotland and the Hebrides.

2.2. The immigration of Celtic speakers from SW The immigration of Celtic speakers from SW Britain into NW France (the creation of Brittany)Britain into NW France (the creation of Brittany)

3.3. The Germanicization of eastern, SE, NE Britain. The Germanicization of eastern, SE, NE Britain. (The arrival of the Anglo-Saxons). The creation of (The arrival of the Anglo-Saxons). The creation of England. After c600AD Celtic speakers in Britain England. After c600AD Celtic speakers in Britain were mainly to be found in the west of the island.were mainly to be found in the west of the island.

The arrival of the Irish in ScotlandThe arrival of the Irish in Scotland..

Previously Scotland had been a mixture of Previously Scotland had been a mixture of Celtic cultures: mainly Pictish, Brittonic.Celtic cultures: mainly Pictish, Brittonic.

The first ‘Gaels’ (or Irish) brought their The first ‘Gaels’ (or Irish) brought their language and culture to the western Isles language and culture to the western Isles and the SW Scotland. Eventually over the and the SW Scotland. Eventually over the next few centuries, this form of Old Irish next few centuries, this form of Old Irish would become Scottish Gaelic and spread would become Scottish Gaelic and spread to most of the Highlands and Islands.to most of the Highlands and Islands.

Creating Brittany (Breizh)Creating Brittany (Breizh)

Although it is well known that Brittany in Although it is well known that Brittany in NW France has a Celtic language, music NW France has a Celtic language, music and culture. It is not always realized that and culture. It is not always realized that the origins of Brittany are mainly in Celtic the origins of Brittany are mainly in Celtic Britain.Britain.

An important mass migration of An important mass migration of Christianized Britons (ie Celtic Britons) Christianized Britons (ie Celtic Britons) relocated to Brittany.relocated to Brittany.

Creating Brittany (Breizh)Creating Brittany (Breizh)

It is not certain whether the Gaulish language It is not certain whether the Gaulish language was still spoken there when the first Britons was still spoken there when the first Britons arrived. The two languages Brittonic and arrived. The two languages Brittonic and Gaulish would have been quite similar to Gaulish would have been quite similar to each other during the time of the Romans each other during the time of the Romans and before. So the first Britons to arrive would and before. So the first Britons to arrive would probably have been able to communicate probably have been able to communicate easily (if there were Gaulish speakers). It is easily (if there were Gaulish speakers). It is just as likely that by then the population of just as likely that by then the population of Armorica was speaking a form of colloquial Armorica was speaking a form of colloquial Latin.Latin.

The origins of the WelshThe origins of the Welsh

The Welsh are, of course, associated with The Welsh are, of course, associated with the country known as Wales, but culturally the country known as Wales, but culturally and linguistically they are descended from and linguistically they are descended from one branch only of the Celtic world of pre-one branch only of the Celtic world of pre-Roman Britain.Roman Britain.

Today’s Welsh call themselves ‘Cymry’ Today’s Welsh call themselves ‘Cymry’ (fellow-countrymen) but an earlier name (fellow-countrymen) but an earlier name was Brython (or Britons).was Brython (or Britons).

IrelandIreland

It is now recognised that Ireland did not It is now recognised that Ireland did not escape Roman influence. Roman objects escape Roman influence. Roman objects were introduced to Ireland in much greater were introduced to Ireland in much greater numbers than had been believed.numbers than had been believed.

The key role of Rome’s contribution to the The key role of Rome’s contribution to the shaping of Irish art has been progressively shaping of Irish art has been progressively understood, as has the early influence of understood, as has the early influence of the Latin language on Irish (before the Latin language on Irish (before Patrick).Patrick).

IrelandIreland

The most impressive discovery of Roman The most impressive discovery of Roman artifacts in Ireland came from Drumanagh artifacts in Ireland came from Drumanagh approx 25 km north of Dublin.approx 25 km north of Dublin.

Next timeNext time

The beginni.ngs of ScotlandThe beginni.ngs of Scotland

Also mini-test…(1)Also mini-test…(1)

la tène civilisation the rise and fall of a celtic civilisation c450bc- 100ad

Documents

new art

tene art spread

tene art styles

field of celtic art

original artstyle

european art style

tene culture

tene styles