Gabrielle, as was typical with lecture lessons, wasted very little time as the students came in and took their seats. By third year, they should have known what to expect. "So we're going to have a brief overview of the Celts today. Stupidly large amount of information to condense in to a short span of time but we'll see what we can manage to get ourselves started. Now the word 'Celt' comes from the Ancient Greek 'Keltoi', which was their word for the people of central Europe. Which is what it was - a broad group of peoples with varied cultures and languages." She paused to take a short sip of water. "Indeed, it's more of a broad grouping rather than a specific society."
"The ancestors of the Celts were the people of the Urnfield culture, so called because they buried their dead in cremation urns in flat ground. Between 1200 and 700 BC, they spread westward from their eastern European homeland into the area of modern Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and France. Here, their culture developed into a recognizably 'Celtic' form." Gabrielle paused, quirking an eyebrow. "Rather broad, but I digress. The earliest stage of what we would call Celtic culture is called the Hallstatt, after a village in the Austrian Salzkammergut, southeast of Salzburg, where archaeologists discovered important artifacts. Does anyone with a passing knowledge of German know what else this area might be famous for, given the names?" Gabrielle asked, looking around at the students to see if anyone knew the answer of 'salt'. Nodding, she continued. "Yes, the initial wealth of the Celts came from salt, eventually iron as well. This led to a surge in trade, especially between the Celts and the Greeks, in both their lands as well as what we now know as southern France."
"This trade was important as by 650 BC, prospering off their sources of salt and iron, the Celts were in good stead with the Greeks and the Etruscans, taking in elements of those cultures into their own. By taking elements of these cultures, the Celts were able to develop their own style of art from that base." Gabrielle paused again, taking another sip of water. "See, as artists you shouldn't be afraid to draw on existing art to enhance your own style. It's like rewording your sources into your own words when you hand in essays," she quipped, giving the students a moment to rest their hands.
"The development of the arts, especially in France, moves us from the Hallstatt period in to the La Tène period, where it was not only art that was developed, but weaponry, technology. This was in line with the classical era of Greece and Rome. This may be more in line with what you probably think of when you hear the term 'Celtic'. Irish warriors, brave and fierce. The Celts at this time were able to develop new types of sword, chain mail, and chariots, all superior to the Greek and Roman versions. At this stage, the Celtic culture was predominant north of the Alps. Celts became highly demanded as mercenaries, and warriors were highly revered as the sagas tell."
Gabrielle paused again, rather wishing to go into Celtic mythology and day to day life, however they unfortunately would not have time for that right now. "Alright, that's about all we have time for today - just as we were getting to the magic part. So, I'd like you all to take the time to go look up the druids, the high ranking religious figures of Celtic history. If you could write a short essay on them for your homework, that would be great. If you write me an essay on druids from fantasy games I will certainly be impressed but you won't pass the assignment, unfortunately." Although even for a history lover, Gabrielle thought the latter might be more interesting to discuss. "Have a good rest of your day and please, do behave yourselves at the Valentine's Feast, alright?" She gave them a smirk as she dismissed them.
Homework
RP the lesson. First poster to answer the question gets house points!
Short essay (no more than 1 or 2 paragraphs) on the druids - can be anything as long as you relate it back to them - for extra credit. As always, please list your sources!
"The ancestors of the Celts were the people of the Urnfield culture, so called because they buried their dead in cremation urns in flat ground. Between 1200 and 700 BC, they spread westward from their eastern European homeland into the area of modern Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and France. Here, their culture developed into a recognizably 'Celtic' form." Gabrielle paused, quirking an eyebrow. "Rather broad, but I digress. The earliest stage of what we would call Celtic culture is called the Hallstatt, after a village in the Austrian Salzkammergut, southeast of Salzburg, where archaeologists discovered important artifacts. Does anyone with a passing knowledge of German know what else this area might be famous for, given the names?" Gabrielle asked, looking around at the students to see if anyone knew the answer of 'salt'. Nodding, she continued. "Yes, the initial wealth of the Celts came from salt, eventually iron as well. This led to a surge in trade, especially between the Celts and the Greeks, in both their lands as well as what we now know as southern France."
"This trade was important as by 650 BC, prospering off their sources of salt and iron, the Celts were in good stead with the Greeks and the Etruscans, taking in elements of those cultures into their own. By taking elements of these cultures, the Celts were able to develop their own style of art from that base." Gabrielle paused again, taking another sip of water. "See, as artists you shouldn't be afraid to draw on existing art to enhance your own style. It's like rewording your sources into your own words when you hand in essays," she quipped, giving the students a moment to rest their hands.
"The development of the arts, especially in France, moves us from the Hallstatt period in to the La Tène period, where it was not only art that was developed, but weaponry, technology. This was in line with the classical era of Greece and Rome. This may be more in line with what you probably think of when you hear the term 'Celtic'. Irish warriors, brave and fierce. The Celts at this time were able to develop new types of sword, chain mail, and chariots, all superior to the Greek and Roman versions. At this stage, the Celtic culture was predominant north of the Alps. Celts became highly demanded as mercenaries, and warriors were highly revered as the sagas tell."
Gabrielle paused again, rather wishing to go into Celtic mythology and day to day life, however they unfortunately would not have time for that right now. "Alright, that's about all we have time for today - just as we were getting to the magic part. So, I'd like you all to take the time to go look up the druids, the high ranking religious figures of Celtic history. If you could write a short essay on them for your homework, that would be great. If you write me an essay on druids from fantasy games I will certainly be impressed but you won't pass the assignment, unfortunately." Although even for a history lover, Gabrielle thought the latter might be more interesting to discuss. "Have a good rest of your day and please, do behave yourselves at the Valentine's Feast, alright?" She gave them a smirk as she dismissed them.
Homework
RP the lesson. First poster to answer the question gets house points!
Short essay (no more than 1 or 2 paragraphs) on the druids - can be anything as long as you relate it back to them - for extra credit. As always, please list your sources!
