The Celts were a diverse group of tribal societies in Iron Age Europe who spoke various languages of the Celtic Languages family. Their culture spread from the British Isles to the Iberian Peninsula, parts of modern-day France, Belgium, Germany, and even into Central Europe and the Balkans.
Origins and Expansion
Culture and Society
- Art and Craftsmanship: Celtic art is famous for its intricate metalwork, particularly in gold, silver, and bronze, and is characterized by intricate knotwork, spirals, and animal motifs.
- Social Structure: Celtic society was not centralized; instead, it was organized into various tribes and clans, each led by a king or chieftain. Druids, poets, and warriors held significant social status.
- Religion: The Celts had a polytheistic religion, with deities varying by region. Druids were the religious, political, and intellectual leaders, known for their knowledge of nature, law, and the afterlife.
Historical Interactions
- Roman Influence: The expansion of the Roman Empire had a profound impact on Celtic tribes. Many were conquered, absorbed, or allied with Rome, leading to significant cultural and linguistic exchanges.
- The La Tène Culture: Named after a site in Switzerland, this cultural period (450 BC to the time of Roman conquests) marked the peak of Celtic artistic and military achievements.
Languages
The Celtic languages are divided into two groups: the P-Celtic (including Gaulish, Brittonic, and Cumbric) and Q-Celtic (such as Goidelic - Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx). These languages were spoken across a wide area but have largely been supplanted by Latin and Germanic languages, surviving today only in peripheral areas like Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, and Brittany.
Decline and Legacy
With the advent of the Roman Empire, followed by the Anglo-Saxon Settlement of Britain and subsequent invasions by Vikings and Normans, the Celtic presence in mainland Europe diminished. However, their cultural, linguistic, and genetic legacy endures:
- Modern Celtic-speaking regions still celebrate their heritage with festivals like Samhain and Imbolc.
- Celtic mythology and folklore continue to influence literature, art, and popular culture.
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