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Rethinking the Ancient Druids

An Archaeological Perspective
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Rethinking the Ancient Druids by Miranda Aldhouse-Green delves into the enigmatic world of the Druids, offering an insightful examination of their role in ancient societies across Britain and Gaul. The book challenges traditional perceptions and explores archaeological and historical evidence to reconstruct a more nuanced view of Druidic culture, beliefs, and practices. Through revisions of both historical texts and contemporary interpretations, it provides a fresh perspective on these mysterious figures.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're fascinated by the history and myths of ancient societies. It delves into the mysterious world of the Druids, examining their roles in society, religious beliefs, and historical impact through a combination of archaeological evidence and historical texts.

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This book presents a new exploration of an ancient European Druids, people who could foretell the will of the gods and who left revealing archaeological evidence of their rites and beliefs.

β€’ Relevance of the religious beliefs and practices of past European societies can enhance understanding of our own. β€’ The popular notion of Druids is unpacked and debunked using archaeological evidence. β€’ New research findings are shared with readers in accessible and engaging ways, enhanced by copious illustrations that weave into the text. β€’ The book is thoroughly readable and tells stories of the past in a deeply compelling manner.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Ancient Classical authors have painted the Druids in a bad light, defining them as a barbaric priesthood, who 2,000 years ago perpetrated savage and blood rites in ancient Britain and Gaul in the name of their gods.

Archaeology tells a different and more complicated story of this enigmatic priesthood, a theocracy with immense political and sacred power. Rethinking the Ancient Druids 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.

Their material culture indicates how close was the relationship between Druids and the spirit-world, which evidence suggests they accessed through drug-induced trance.

Series: New Approaches to Celtic Religion and Mythology

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  • Rethinking the Ancient Druids
    Ancient Classical authors have painted the Druids in a bad light, defining them as a barbaric priesthood, who 2,000 years ago perpetrated savage and blood rites in ancient Britain and Gaul in the name of their gods. Archaeology tells a different and more complicated story of this enigmatic priesthood, a theocracy with immense political and sacred power. Rethinking the Ancient...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781786837974

Publisher: University of Wales Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 September 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: University of Wales Press

Illustration: No

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 224

About the Author

The book is aimed primarily at a scholarly audience but is written so as to be accessible to all, including readers who are new to the subject.

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