Publisher 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.
 

Author Biography

Miranda Aldhouse-Green is Emeritus Professor of Archaeology at Cardiff University; author of several books and papers on ancient European religion, and holder of two Book of the Year awards from national US archaeological societies.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSLIST OF ILLUSTRATIONSPrefacePROLOGUE: The untouched CaveCH. 1: Time and Space: contextualizing Druids in the ancient worldCH. 2: Barbarians and Wise Men: rethinking Classical textsCH. 3: Spiritual Spaces: rites and beliefs in Iron Age Britain and GaulCH. 4: Images and Symbols: sacred art and the DruidsCH. 5: Welsh Connections: spotlight on Druidic WalesCH. 6: A Holy War: Boudica and the Druids against RomeCH. 7: Reading Runes and Telling Spoons: divining the divineCH. 8: Druids and Deities: changing spirits in Roman Gaul and BritainCH. 9: Ideas of Afterlife: death, burial and reincarnationEPILOGUE: The Untouched Cave RevisitedBIBLIOGRAPHY

Promotional

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

Review Text

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

Author Comments

Miranda Aldhouse-Green is Emeritus Professor of Archaeology at Cardiff University; author of several books and papers on ancient European religion, and holder of two Book of the Year awards from national US archaeological societies.

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