Episode #98 - Who Were The Druids?
History Is Sexy
Deep Dive
What role did the Druids play in pre-Roman Britain?
Druids were described as philosopher-judges who focused on natural philosophy, theology, and the nature of the soul. They taught children, resolved disputes, and were considered the most learned individuals in their communities.
Why did the Romans dislike the Druids?
The Romans viewed Druids as barbaric and inhumane, partly due to accounts of human sacrifices, which were overseen by Vates (priests) under the Druids' supervision. The Romans also found their religious practices, such as burning wicker men, to be grotesque.
What evidence do we have about Druidic practices in pre-Roman Britain?
Most of what we know about Druidic practices comes from Roman accounts, which describe them as philosophers and judges. They were said to oversee human sacrifices and divination rituals, but archaeological evidence is scarce due to the oral nature of their culture.
How did the Druids differ from Vates and Bards?
Druids were philosopher-judges, while Vates were the priests who performed sacrifices. Bards were singers and poets who told histories and stories. The Druids were considered the most learned and influential, while Vates and Bards had more specific roles in religious and cultural life.
What was the significance of hill forts in Iron Age Britain?
Hill forts were large earthworks built on hills, initially thought to be defensive structures. However, modern interpretations suggest they were more about demonstrating wealth, power, and communal organization rather than warfare.
How did the Romans influence religious practices in Britain?
The Romans introduced material culture of religion, such as votive offerings and altars, which were previously absent in pre-Roman Britain. They also syncretized local gods with Roman deities, leading to the creation of hybrid gods like Minerva Sulis.
What is the evidence for human sacrifice in pre-Roman Britain?
Roman accounts describe human sacrifices, including burning people inside wicker men and interpreting death throes for divination. However, archaeological evidence is limited, and some scholars argue that these accounts may be exaggerated or misinterpreted.
Why did the Druids avoid writing things down?
The Druids believed that memorization was a more sophisticated and accurate method of preserving knowledge. Writing was seen as a lazy alternative that could lead to misinterpretation and loss of nuance in communication.
What are some notable Celtic gods discovered in Roman Britain?
Notable Celtic gods include Mars Nodens, a god associated with healing and protection, and the three mother goddesses called the Matres. These gods were often syncretized with Roman deities and worshipped in Roman-style temples.
What is the significance of the Cult of the Heads in Little Dean Hall?
The Cult of the Heads is a religious site where hundreds of carved heads were found, mostly from the Roman period. It suggests a continuity of religious practice from pre-Roman times, even during the Roman occupation, though the exact nature of the cult remains unclear.
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