Celtic Ancient Origins (2024)

For many people, Celtic culture is distinctive yet enigmatic. While the Celtic heritage of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Galicia in Spain and Brittany in France is familiar, along with the mythology and literature that have given us Arthurian legend, boastful gods, High Kings, wilful Queens, noble warriors, fairies, goblins and wizards, the origins of the Celtic people are less well known. They lie in Austria, while the many tribes covered by this broad designation have a history reaching much further afield, to ancient Greece and Egypt. Written by Martin J. Dougherty, with a foreword by Professor Ralph Haussler, this book explores the history behind the legends, including the origins, migrations, allegiances, society, culture, myths and literature of the Celts. It covers the period from the Hallstatt Era, beginning in 1200 BCE, through the Gaels of western Scotland and northeastern Ireland and the eventual Christianization of the Celts. The book also features a new introduction and a glossary of terms or lists of ancient leaders.