Celtic tribes

Celtic Tribes

The Celtic tribes were a collection of tribal societies in Iron Age and Medieval Europe who spoke Celtic languages and had cultural similarities. The Celts were not a single nation or empire, but rather a diverse group of tribes with shared linguistic and cultural traits.

Origins and Language

The Celts are believed to have originated in the Hallstatt culture of central Europe around 1200 BCE. The spread of the Celtic languages is associated with the expansion of the Celts across Europe. These languages belong to the Indo-European family and are divided into two main groups: the Goidelic (or Gaelic) and the Brythonic.

Geographic Distribution

At their height, Celtic tribes were spread across a vast area of Europe, from the British Isles and Iberian Peninsula to the Balkans and Asia Minor. Some of the most notable Celtic tribes included the Gauls in what is now France, the Britons in Britain, and the Galatians in Anatolia.

British Isles

In the British Isles, the Celts were divided into several tribes, including the Iceni, Brigantes, and Picts. The Romans encountered these tribes during their invasions of Britain.

Continental Europe

On the continent, the Celts were known as the Gauls. They were divided into numerous tribes such as the Aedui, Arverni, and Helvetii. The Gauls were famously defeated by Julius Caesar during the Gallic Wars.

Iberian Peninsula

In the Iberian Peninsula, the Celts mixed with the local Iberian populations, forming the Celtiberians. Notable tribes included the Lusitanians and the Celtici.

Society and Culture

Celtic society was tribal and hierarchical, with a warrior aristocracy. They were known for their skill in metalwork, particularly in iron and gold. The Celts had a rich oral tradition, with druids serving as priests, judges, and scholars.

Religion

Celtic religion was polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods and goddesses. They worshipped deities such as Lugh, Brigid, and Cernunnos. Sacred groves and natural sites were important in their religious practices.

Art and Symbolism

Celtic art is characterized by intricate patterns, spirals, and knotwork. The La Tène culture is particularly noted for its artistic style, which influenced Celtic art across Europe.

Decline and Legacy

The expansion of the Roman Empire and later the spread of Christianity led to the decline of Celtic culture and languages. However, Celtic traditions and languages have survived in regions such as Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

See Also

• Celtic mythology
• Celtic languages
• Celtic art
• Druids

References

• Cunliffe, Barry. The Ancient Celts. Oxford University Press, 1997.
• Green, Miranda. The World of the Druids. Thames & Hudson, 1997.