History

A first wave the Celts tribes originally from Central Europe arrived in Britain after 700 BC. The Goidels were strong fearless warriors and conquered an extensive part of Europe. A second wave they invaded Britain in the 4^th century, they were called Brythons and settled in the Southwest and West. They were also expert metal workers and made iron tools, weapons, helmets and armour.  With bronze and gold they created coins, mirrors, ornaments, small statues and beautiful jewellery. The Celts did not write their own history but fortunately the Greeks and Romans wrote about them.

Language

Old Celtic language, Goidelic in Ireland and Brythonic in Britain

Art Celtic art: aesthetic qualities are shown in the finds of decorated pottery swords and iron weapons. Huge hill forts.

DESBOROUGH MIRROR We can appreciate the essential characteristics of Celtic art, made from bronze, it has been engraved using a sharp instrument to produce using the cross hatching technique. Celtic art was abstract based on curved patterns.

OID SARUM Probably originally on Iron Age fort.

MAIDEN CASTLE (Dorset) The finest known example of a prehistoric fortress in this country with complicated entrances. A dates from the Iron Age. The Remains of a 4^th century Roman temple have been discovered with in the fortifications.