The Celts and the Belgae

Flashcards about the Ancient Celts, their culture, and the perception of the Belgae.

Celtic Culture Timeline

Coexisted with the Greek and Roman civilizations, flourishing from around 800 BC (Iron Age) to the Roman conquests around 50 BC.

Area of Celtic Expansion

A large part of Western and Central Europe.

Continental

On the Continent/mainland.

Maritime

On or at the sea.

Celtic Trade Products

Salt, metal (iron, tin), textiles, ceramics.

Sources on Celtic History

Few written records from the Celts themselves; primary sources are Greek and Roman writers like Julius Caesar.

Reliability of Historical Sources

Depends on the writer's point of view and purpose.

Naming of Celts

Greeks called them “Keltoi”; Romans called them “Gauls”.

Belgae

A tribe or group within the Gauls located mainly in Northern Gaul.

Ancient Belgae

Culturally connected but politically fragmented.

Celtic Social Classes

Warlike aristocracy, Druids (priests, teachers, healers), Common people (farmers, craftsmen, slaves).

Celtic Grave Culture

Burial mounds, richly decorated graves with weapons or jewelry.

Celtic Cultural Unity

Similar religion, language, art, and customs.

Celtic Polytheism

Belief in many gods.

Celtic Nature Religion

Gods connected to natural forces.

Bards

Singers/storytellers with an important role in Celtic culture.

19th Century Belgian Identity

National myths arose after the creation of Belgium in 1830, reinforcing the image of “brave Belgians.

Caesar's View of the Belgae

Julius Caesar called the Belgae “the bravest of all the Gauls”.

Caesar's Motivation

Legitimized his conquests and enhanced his personal prestige in Rome.

Evaluating Historical Sources

Analyze reliability, utility, and perspective.