The Celts

Celtic peoples spread westward across Europe from about 800 BC. They lived in tribal groups, settling in hillforts and farms. The Celts were unable to unite against a common enemy – the formidable Roman legions.

The Celts were brave and fearless warriors, but they were equally skilled at metal-working, making beautifully decorated weapons, jewellery and drinking cups. They were also gifted storytellers, passing down stories of their gods and history by word of mouth. Later, Roman writers recorded many details of Celtic life and culture. They reported that the Celts worshipped many different gods and goddesses, and offered sacrifices in their honour. Religious rituals and ceremonies were performed by priests, called druids. In charge of each of the Celtic tribes was a chieftain. One of the most famous of these was Vercingetorix, a chieftain of the Arveni, a Celtic tribe that lived in central Gaul (France). In 52 BC, he led a rebellion against the Romans that was successful initially. However, he was later defeated by Julius Caesar’s well-trained army.

Many Celtic tribes built huge hilltop forts surrounded by massive protective earthworks, where they lived safe from attack. Victory in battle was celebrated with feasts that could last for several days, drinking and the recital of long poems telling of the deeds of Celtic heroes and gods. Their greatest god controlled the weather and the harvest and brought victory in battle.

Celtic warriors were famed and feared for their bravery in battle. Wars frequently broke out between rival Celtic tribes – a weakness that helped the Romans to overwhelm them more easily.

BOUDICCA

The Roman emperor Claudius invaded Britain in AD 43. Some Celts fought back fiercely. In AD 60, Boudicca (or Boadicea), queen of the Iceni, a Celtic tribe in eastern Britain, led a revolt against the Romans. The Celts burned London and killed some 70,000 Romans and townspeople. But her army was defeated in AD 61, and Boudicca killed herself by drinking poison.