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Themes that have influenced the practices of the Celts. - Coggle Diagram
Themes that have influenced the practices of the Celts.
With the domestication of horses in Europe, horses became essential in peace, war and religion
The Celtic warfare and traditions surrounding war
The celtic peoples were renowned for their skill on horseback, which was extremely useful during battle
Calvary forces were used by many of the Celtic tribes
despite the fact that chariots had fallen out of use by the 3rd century BC in continental Europe, they were still a major component in Celtic methods of warfare
Celtic warriors would go into battle with animal designs on their armour, shields or helmets. An example of a symbol worn is the horse. This may be attributed to numerous reasons. According to one source, this particular animal is the Celtic symbol for victory at war. However another source states that the Celtic warriors saw horses as bringers of good fortune/good luck.
It can be established that ancient civilisation included some sort of social hierarchy (ranks) in tribes
As such, horse ownership and charioteering was often linked to social status and wealth in Celtic culture
Chieftains were often on horseback
Most warriors fought on foot; the normal celtic warrior was a infantryman. However, the Celtic elite fighters (nobles) most likely had horses, functioning as cavalry.
Horses played a prominent role in Celtic society
Horse goddess Epona
It is suggested that Celtic warriors wore a 'horse-mane hairstyle' to invoke the aid of this goddess
Additionally, important individuals were usually buried with horses and/or chariots, hinting at the influence of the horse to the Celtic peoples and tribes' practises
Salt was a precious commodity to the ancient Celts for various reasons
this mineral was extremely valuable for its ability to preserve food (meat)
this resource was particularly abundant in the norther Alps and was extracted by mining from the 8th century BCE
Many if not all the people who worked in these salt mines were slaves
It is widely believed that the enslavement practised by the Celts was similar to that practised in ancient Greek and Roman societies. They would have acquired enslaved peoples from war, raids, etc
Additionally, there is evidence suggesting that Celtic elites engaged in trade with the Romans, purchasing wine with slaves
The Romans were keen to obtain slaves so they could work as labour on their large agricultural estates (vineyard, etc)
trade in raw materials and manufactured goods in Europe was far-reaching due to various well-established trade routes
Most goods were transported along river systems, not land
Interestingly, natural sites of importance such as rivers, lakes, and bogs were held as sacred by the Celts as water was considered a conduit to the Otherworld.
As the Celtic tribes engaged in trade, exchange of ideas, more specifically in the fields of technology, art and religious practises was inevitable
Consequently, many aspects of the Celtic world were influenced by neighbouring cultures/trading partners, like the Greeks
Celtic elites often traded for wine and other status symbols with merchants from Greece. These exotic luxuries allowed these leaders to show off their status and generosity with extravagant feasts and gift-giving.
The extensive network of trade between Mediterranean and Central Europe helped to support the social hierarchy.
when the Roman Empire expanded across Europe, the Celts adopted and adapted many aspects of the Roman religion.
The Celts also traded goods such as iron, gold and furs
Regarding salt's importance to the Celtic tribes, additional customs were evolved which served to distinguish the wealthy/elite from the commoners
According to one source, a rich man would be honored with a dish of salt placed beside the funerary bier, however the poorest corpse may only be given a couple grains of salt tucked in a pocket
The exporting of salt made the local chieftains very wealthy
The Celts left behind many artefacts, which show their art style
The Celts were especially skilled at metal work, partly due to the abundance of metals throughout Europe
Celtic craftsmen were skilled metalworkers in gold, bronze and iron
Elite Celtics were buried with their"earthly treasures" (mostly jewellery) so the deceased could take them into "other world"
Most of these items were made out of gold
gold armlets
daggers enclosed in fine gold
chieftain's torque: a symbol of power and authority
They were made from bronze, copper, silver and gold
They indicated the wearer’s status and were perhaps believed to have spiritual properties. Depictions of gods and Celtic warriors of higher status in Celtic art often show figures wearing a torc around their necks.
Celtic art of the La Tene period showed a sophisticated level of workmanship and artistry. This design style featured a range of influences from the Classical Greek and Roman world to earlier civilizations like the Etruscans