Early Christian Ireland

Flashcards about Early Christian Ireland

Who were the Celts?

The Iron Age brought them to Ireland; they were more organized, and their culture dominated until Christianity.

When was Early Christian Ireland?

Approximately AD 400-800.

Who was Palladius?

He was sent to Ireland in AD 431 to spread Christianity.

How did Christianity contribute to the culture of Early Christian Ireland?

It helped to spread reading and writing and led to the creation of great art.

Who was St. Patrick?

He is believed to have been in Ireland between 432 and 461.

Who founded the first monastery, Inis Mór?

St. Enda founded it.

Who founded the first convent?

St. Brigid founded it at Kildare.

Name some monasteries built in Ireland.

Clonard, Kells, Clonmacnoise, Glendalough, Clonfert, and Skellig Michael.

What buildings could be found in a monastery?

Beehive huts, an oratory, a refectory, a scriptorium, and a round tower.

What kinds of art were created by monks?

Manuscripts, metalwork, and stone high crosses.

When did the Vikings begin to raid and settle in Ireland?

In the eighth century.

What is a pagan?

Someone who worships various gods, often with a focus on nature or the earth.

Who was a Druid?

A spiritual figure similar to a priest in pre-Christian Celtic Ireland.

What is a monastery?

A closed religious community living by the rules of an order.

Who is a monk?

A man dedicated to a religious order and to life in a monastery.

What is a scriptorium?

A room where manuscripts were copied by hand and illustrated by scribes.

What is a round tower?

A bell tower and safe place for people and treasures if the monastery came under attack.

What is a manuscript?

A book written by hand, often in Latin, on sheepskin parchment or vellum (calfskin).

What is a high cross?

A free-standing stone cross, usually with elaborate carvings showing biblical scenes.

What is a Longphort?

A Viking camp by the water, used as a base for raids.