History of English Literature: Celts in the British Isles

Government Frontier College for Women Peshawar

Study guide, Introduction and notes

Who were Celts?

The Celts were a group of people who lived in Europe about 2,000 years ago. They were

skilled farmers, hunters, and craftsmen, and they had a rich culture that included art, music,

and storytelling. They spoke a language called Celtic, which is still spoken in parts of Ireland,

Scotland, and Wales today. The Celts were known for their bravery and fighting skills, and

they often went to war with neighboring tribes and kingdoms. They had a complex social

structure and a strong sense of community, and their influence can still be seen in many

aspects of modern European culture.

Celts In The British Isles:

The arrival of the Celts in the British Isles is believed to have occurred around the late

Bronze Age or early Iron Age, around 800-600 BC. The Celts were a group of Indo-European

peoples who originated in central Europe and migrated westward, eventually reaching as far

as the British Isles.

Here are some key notes on the arrival of Celts in the British Isles:

1. Origins: The Celts were originally a group of tribes who lived in what is now Austria

and Germany. They gradually migrated westward, reaching Gaul (modern-day France) in the

5th century BC.

2. Migration: By the 4th century BC, Celtic tribes were moving into Britain from Gaul,

crossing the English Channel in small boats. They established themselves in southern and

eastern Britain, and gradually expanded their territory.

3. Culture: The Celts were known for their distinctive culture, which included a
polytheistic religion, a warrior ethos, and a love of music and storytelling. They also had an

advanced system of social organization, with a hierarchy of kings, nobles, and warriors.

4. Language: The Celts spoke a language that was closely related to modern-day Irish,

Welsh, and Scottish Gaelic. This language eventually evolved into what is now known as the

Celtic language family.

5. Interaction with other cultures: The Celts in Britain had contact with other cultures,

including the Romans who invaded Britain in 43 AD. The interaction between these cultures

would play a significant role in shaping the future of the British Isles.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the arrival of the Celts in the British Isles was a significant event in the history

of the region, contributing to the development of distinct Celtic cultures and languages that

would endure for centuries.