Rethinking The Ancient Druids: An Archaeological Perspective

Description

Dispels misconceptions about the ancient Druids through a careful study of their material culture. Ancient authors have painted the Druids in a negative light, defining them as a barbaric cult that perpetrated savage and blood rites in ancient Britain and Gaul. Archaeology tells a more complicated story of this enigmatic priesthood, revealing a theocracy of immense political and sacred power. This book explores the tangible “footprint” the Druids have left behind in sacred spaces, art, ritual equipment, images of the gods, strange burial rites, and human sacrifice. In this careful study of Druid material culture, Miranda Aldhouse-Green uncovers compelling new findings about ancient religious beliefs and practices.   Cover Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents SERIES EDITOR’S PREFACE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PREFACE PROLOGUE: THE UNTOUCHED CAVE Chapter One: TIME AND SPACE: CONTEXTUALIZING DRUIDS IN THE ANCIENT WORLD Chapter Two: BARBARIANS AND WISE MEN: RETHINKING CLASSICAL TEXTS Chapter Three: SPIRITUAL SPACES: RITES AND BELIEFS IN IRON AGE BRITAIN AND GAUL Chapter Four: IMAGES AND SYMBOLS: SACRED ART AND THE DRUIDS Chapter Five: WELSH CONNECTIONS: SPOTLIGHT ON DRUIDIC WALES Chapter Six: A HOLY WAR: BOUDICA AND THE DRUIDS AGAINST ROME Chapter Seven: FROM RUNES TO SPOONS: DIVINING THE DIVINE Chapter Eight: DRUIDS AND DEITIES: CHANGING SPIRITS IN ROMAN GAUL AND BRITAIN Chapter Nine: IDEAS OF AFTERLIFE: DEATH, BURIAL AND REINCARNATION EPILOGUE: THE UNTOUCHED CAVE REVISITED BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX Back Cover