Sources

Question 1

What sources of info do we have regarding the Celts?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What info do we have from classical sources?

Answer 2

• 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

Question 3

What are the 2 way the classical sources are presented?

Answer 3

1. ethnographical approach (study of races and cultures), aim to instruct reader
2. historical approach and hope to influences ppl with their work

Question 4

What do classical writers primarily describe about Celts?

Answer 4

• 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)

Question 5

How did Celts have relations with Greeks?

Answer 5

predominantly from trade, partic. wine which Celts apparently consumed in large amounts

Question 6

How did celts have contact with Romans?

Answer 6

conflict and battle from habit of moving from one to another
Polybius describes uncivilised attributed of Celts, raiding Roman controlled area for land.

Question 7

How are the celts physically described as?

Answer 7

having red/blond hair, men wore long moustaches

Question 8

What did Pliny and Timagene focus on?

Answer 8

cleanliness and neatness of Gauls of their own period.

Question 9

Religious sources?

Answer 9

some sources witnessed practices and interpreted what they saw, could be inaccurate or bias