A General Introduction

 

 

The Celts were a group of ancient peoples that occupied lands stretching from the British Isles to Gallatia between 2000 and 50 BCE. It is believed that The Ancient Celts originated in Eastern Europe- most likely Hungary and Czechoslovakia.

 

The Celts were very nomadic in nature, always traveling from place to place. They were divided into groups (very much like tribes) across Europe and spoke the same language with slight variations in dialects. These groups of Celts all shared

similar customs and beliefs.

 

Unfortunately there are no written records of the Celts

originating from their own documents so there is only

archaeological evidence and historical accounts that have

been able to provide us with information on them which

means that the true history on The Celts remains a mystery.

 

 The Celts were definitely not illiterate, but they relied

heavily on oral traditions as they respected the power of

word over written document. Their lack of written word is

also why the Celts left no account of their religion so therefore it is comparative studies of other ancient religions and interpretations of existing relics that have been used to reconstruct the concepts of the religion of the Ancient Celts.

 

The information we have been able to gather on The Ancient Celts strongly suggests that the Celts worshipped nature and  looked to nature for meaning. They worshipped the land, the animals, plant life and the rivers and streams surrounding them. The Ancient Celtic religion is a polytheistic religion as the Celts are believed to have had over 300 deities.