The Celts: A Historical and Religious Survey

This course will begin with the sources about the Celts, what we know about their origins and migrations, by looking at the archaeological evidence and writings of the Greeks and Romans. Following this we will discuss the roles of women, craftspeople (builders, artists, metal workers, etc.), kings and Druids in their society. We will then begin covering their religion: myth, cosmology, gods and goddesses. The story of Arthur and how it was brought together with the Holy Grail will occupy this class. Following this, the last few weeks will be spent on the coming of Christianity and how it developed (quite differently from the rest of Europe) particularly in Ireland, Scotland and Wales.