The Celts And The Celtic World

Throughout their observations of the Gauls and the Huns and Alans, both Strabo and Ammianus have a Roman agenda implicating the supreme values and status of the Roman Empire to Roman readers in order to bolster their ethnocentrism . When referring to the Celtic people (tribes of Gauls), Strabo reveals the ethnocentrism of the Roman Empire, “At the present time, they are all at peace, since they have been enslaved and are living in accordance with the commands of the Romans who captured them, but it is from the early times that I am taking this account of them…” (Strabo 4).

Homer’s Iliad has been a European myth for many millennia , the long poetic narrative written in the 8th century B.C. recounts a fearsome war fought over a beautiful woman. The reliability of Homers Iliad as a true historical document has been challenged for hundreds of years and only through archaeological studies can the truth be deciphered. The Iliad was written five centuries after the war, where the stories had been passed down through the oral tradition, therefore the type of society reflected within the poems resemble much more the time of Homer . The fact and fiction of the Iliad has been uncovered through archaeology. Archaeologist found a site in which they thought to have been ‘Troy’ destroyed by the powerful country of Mycenae

Determined, she influentially announces to the gods, “But my heart breaks for Odysseus, that seasoned veteran cursed by fate so long…” (Homer 79). Stealthily, Athena carries out her plans to get Odysseus off of Calypso’s island while Poseidon, the antagonist, is not present. As a result, he cannot interfere with her arguments. This wise action emphasizes Athena’s loyalty and caring gesture toward Odysseus.

learning to read and write, took up the just labor of copying all of western

The ancient Greek concept of hospitality, Xenia, reoccurs throughout Homer’s The Odyssey. Routinely, hosts offer guests a bath with luxurious oils, a large banquet with a feast, and extravagant gifts. Although these practices were common in Ancient Greece, Athena’s role as Odysseus’ guardian poses important questions about how much of an effect her enchantments play in Odysseus’ successful journey home.

After reading chapter one of the textbook, I found it interesting to learn that in 61 A.D. the Roman conquest of England was interrupted by the Celtic Boudicca revolt, which is named after the woman who led the revolt. This section mentions one particular Roman scholar, who argues that Boudicca was “huge of frame” and “terrifying of aspect.” Although there is some uncertainty in the facts surrounding Boudicca physical appearance, it is important to note that this rebellion, which was headed by a woman, successfully managed to burn down three Roman cities and extinguish Roman legions. I believe that although there are uncertainties and lack of knowledge concerning the physical features of Boudicca, it is in itself historically significant. I think this is so because the speculation of evidence demonstrates the reality that historical records can be lost but the

The Druids and the Celtic temple were outlawed when the Roman  Emperor Claudius came to rule Great Britain. A Roman temple was established in its place. Under Roman rule the British continued to worship Celtic deities, such as Ancasta, but it was in conflict with the Roman deities like Mars. Governor Publius Ostorius Scapula established laws requiring attendance of all citizens at the new Roman temple . The religious decree was strictly enforced. Most citizens attended the temple regularly, but the religious decree created a hostile environment. Elspeth Bains, a young British native, did not mind the religious decree. She was usually walking into the Roman Temple as the horns were played.

The tale of Mabon ap Modron, the Welsh God, (the “great son of the great mother”), also known as the Son of Light, the Young Son, or Divine Youth, is celebrated. The Equinox is also the birth of Mabon, from his mother Modron, the Guardian of the Outerworld, the Healer, the Protector, the Earth. Mabon was taken after he is a mere three nights old (some variations of the legend say he is taken after three years). Through the wisdom of the living animals — the Stag, Blackbird, Owl, Eagle and Salmon — Mabon is freed from his mysterious captivity. All the while Mabon had rested within his mother’s womb; a place of nurturing and challenge. With strength and lessons gained within the magickal Outerworld (Modron’s womb), Mabon is soon reborn as his mother’s Champion, the Son of Light, wielding the strength and wisdom acquired during his captivity.

Amazingly, Chapter 4 surprised me with the quote, “Humans had lived in this part of Europe for many thousands of years, but their lack of any system of writing severely limits our knowledge of the earliest inhabitants” (Bulliet). Why did the Celts not form a writing system until European Middle Ages? The Greek and Roman accounts of the Celts spoke about their impulsive and emotional yet quick-witted and eager to learn behavior (Pg. 101). Therefore, why had the Celts not developed any form of writing? In addition, the contact with literary cultures surely would have inspired them to develop writing. In conclusion, I wondered if this has to do with there being not one specific Celtic

Celebrations of victories are evident and crucial in the Anglo-Saxon culture. They are important in other cultures similar to that of the Anglo-Saxon but not as significant as in Beowulf. In this epic poem the celebrations are as important as the reason they are celebrating, as are the events that happen at these affairs and where they were held. This demonstrates the strong belief in honor and in nobility.

One of the issues in Homers The Odyssey is understanding the role and function of the goddess Athena. The problem is most pronounced when examining Athena’s duality. She provides Odysseus both her counsel and assistance throughout the story yet she’s also the entity that keeps him exiled from his home. Athena’s role, similar to the other gods, is to correct apparent injustices. “Oh father Zeus and gods and bliss forever let no man holding scepter as a king think to be mild the fatherhood and mercy through his reign. Meanwhile he lives and grieves upon the island of the nymph…” Book 5 lines 9-21. These lines show that Athena is concerned about the injustice that surrounds Odysseus and his son. This suggests that gods can become active in the role of mortals and may aid them to correct inequity through their fate. This paper will explore the obligations Athena had to ensure Odysseus’ voyage home safely as well as the thematic importance of fate in The Odyssey and the intervention and the power of the gods and goddesses. Fate is one of the occurring themes throughout the Odyssey, where the intervention of the gods and goddesses is common due to the triumphs of men and women.

It has come to my attention that you will be returning to the United States and will be giving a sermon in Boulder Colorado on 5th through 6th century Irish monasticism and Celtic Christianity. I would like to assist you in this task by relaying the information I have come to understand through my studies on the topic. Medieval Irish monasticism and Celtic Christianity is important and of interest for a number of reasons. More specifically, the monastic influence on present day private penance, their ability to easily adapt and re-imagine and reinvent the Celtic culture and pre-existing Druidic religion into an organized network of Christian institutions, and the obedience and spiritual strength possessed by Irish monks and

Giraldus Cambrensis, known more commonly as Gerald of Wales, was a complex mix of nationalities far greater than his name implies. Understanding Gerlad’s writings of The History and Topography of Ireland and The Journey Through Wales and the Description of Wales can only be done when analyzed in context. It is vital to evaluate how his diverse background and calculated reasons for the descriptions of the Welsh and Irish people influenced his writing. And furthermore, it is imperative to use Gerald’s writings to consider if his writings accurately reflect English attitudes of Ireland and Wales.

In this critique of Julius Caesar’s book, The Gallic War, I will be discussing the purpose and accuracy (or in this case, inaccuracy) over his adventures and military campaign against the Gallic tribes. There is a constant debate between historians: The Myth of Certainty. History is all about interpretation and finding truth out of subjectivity. History can often be lost in time as the firsthand accounts will eventually fade out. Even if firsthand accounts remains intact, it is not completely objective. Every person has their own agenda and is biased in one shape or form, no matter how much they try not to be; Julius Caesar is not an exception. I will start this critique by stating the author’s main purpose for writing his book. Secondly I will attempt to decipher the accuracy and inconsistency of Julius Caesar’s account. Finally, I will express my opinion over his commentaries over the Gallic War.

Focusing on two of history’s most notorious mythologies, Greek and Roman, one may believe that they are exceedingly comparable; however, beyond a first glance, it is clear that each system is extremely distinguished. The Roman Empire, developed nearly a millennia following the great, Greek Trojan war, was highly influenced by the elaborate Greek myths of gods, goddesses, monsters, and mythical creatures. Their captivation of Greek culture bore a permanent effect on the Roman Empire, as Rome adopted much that defined Greece, including its art, philosophy, literature, drama, and most importantly, mythology. However, despite their indistinguishable origins, Roman and Greek mythologies prove to be very individualized.