Dispels misconceptions about the ancient Druids through a careful study of their material culture.
Ancient authors have painted the Druids in a negative light, defining them as a barbaric cult that perpetrated savage and blood rites in ancient Britain and Gaul. Archaeology tells a more complicated story of this enigmatic priesthood, revealing a theocracy of immense political and sacred power. This book explores the tangible “footprint” the Druids have left behind in sacred spaces, art, ritual equipment, images of the gods, strange burial rites, and human sacrifice. In this careful study of Druid material culture, Miranda Aldhouse-Green uncovers compelling new findings about ancient religious beliefs and practices.
Author(s): Miranda Aldhouse-Green
Series: New Approaches to Celtic Religion and Mythology
Publisher: University of Wales Press
Year: 2021
Language: English
Pages: 209
City: Cardiff
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Contents
SERIES EDITOR’S PREFACE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
PREFACE
PROLOGUE: THE UNTOUCHED CAVE
Chapter One: TIME AND SPACE: CONTEXTUALIZING
DRUIDS IN THE ANCIENT WORLD
Chapter Two: BARBARIANS AND WISE MEN: RETHINKING CLASSICAL TEXTS
Chapter Three: SPIRITUAL SPACES: RITES AND BELIEFS IN IRON AGE BRITAIN AND GAUL
Chapter Four: IMAGES AND SYMBOLS: SACRED ART AND THE DRUIDS
Chapter Five: WELSH CONNECTIONS: SPOTLIGHT ON DRUIDIC WALES
Chapter Six: A HOLY WAR: BOUDICA AND THE DRUIDS AGAINST ROME
Chapter Seven: FROM RUNES TO SPOONS: DIVINING THE DIVINE
Chapter Eight: DRUIDS AND DEITIES: CHANGING SPIRITS IN ROMAN GAUL AND BRITAIN
Chapter Nine: IDEAS OF AFTERLIFE: DEATH, BURIAL AND REINCARNATION
EPILOGUE: THE UNTOUCHED CAVE REVISITED
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INDEX
Back Cover
