Origin of Celts Flashcards
1
Q
Who were the Celts?
A
- ancient group of ppl that inhabited vast area of Europe
- most of their culture, tech and history wiped out when Romans conquered Europe
- Ethno-linguistic (share/linked by similar language and culture) group of tribal societies.
2
Q
When/where did they emerge?
A
in Europe as distinct culture around 1000BC and lasted until conquest by Romans that began in 1st century BC.
- widely spread throughout Europe and had different political organisation, yet shared common ties of culture, art and language
3
Q
When were the Celts first mentions in written sources?
A
in about 500BC when ancient Greeks called them ‘Keltoi’
- Later romans (partic. Julius Caesar, who led Roman army in battle against them) referred them as Celtae or Galli.
- The Graeco-Roman sources on Celts often prejudice or hostile
4
Q
Origin?
A
- Origin can be determined by looking for earliest material evidence
- excavations throughout Europe - many bronze and iron objects such as weapons, jewellery, tools, cauldrons and ritual objects
- objects relied on as:
no written sources
lasts through ages and wont deteriorate
5
Q
Phases of Celtic culture categorised by?
A
- style of manufacture
- forms of decoration
- time during which these styles were in fashion
6
Q
Social structure of the Celts?
A
- Ruling family (nobility)
- nobles, warriors, priests
- commoners, farmers, tradesman
Hierarchal society
7
Q
features of culture that were common amongst tribes?
A
- language
- belief
- art
- jewellery
- style
8
Q
How did the Celtic culture spread?
A
trade, migration, word of mouth and by invasion or settlement
