James Moray of Abercairney by Jeremiah Davidson, ca. 1739
Here you will find articles and information on the history of the Celts.
These were originally written as an outline for the students of Celtic Studies classes I taught in community colleges. Many students requested I write a book to accompany the course, but I have not done so. There are many far better qualified than I to do so, and many fine works on the subject already available. (See the accompanying Bibliography and Links.)
However, an expanded version was eventually issued as a series of articles featured some years ago in Celtic Heritage magazine.
These articles give a synopsis of the background of the Celtic people and their origins. They were written using findings from a combination of disciplines and sources including; archaeology, literary and historic remains (both Classical and traditional vernacular literature), linguistics, modern histories, research, and, more recently, genetics. These sources also include my own years of learning, especially from tradition bearers, reflection, and relevant personal experiences among modern Celts and other ethno-linguistic groups.)
Of course, more evidence is always being brought to light, and with the advent of the Human Genome Project, the Genographic Project, and related investigations, DNA evidence is rapidly coming into play. This relatively new science has already demolished some previously held views, and corroborated others.
My intention is to present as accurate an overall picture as possible, with evidence from many sources.
I have also made no secret of my opinion on certain matters (in true Celtic fashion, I trust!), but have endeavored to make plain at such points that it IS my opinion, as opposed to "gospel" (whatever that may be).
Though it is difficult to trace prehistoric events and movements of people, let alone with any degree of accuracy, theories have been advanced based on linguistic and archaeological evidence. We shall examine some of them, with the caveat that some of these ideas are disputed, with theories often being diametrically opposed. Also, some theorists have an agenda.
The entire notion of the origins of the Celts, the Indo-Europeans, etc. (and even their existence!), have been and remain hotly debated subjects, heavily laden with political, racial, and intellectual baggage for over a century.
(Here I might state for the record that I adamantly DO NOT believe in the "superiority" or "inferiority" of any group of people. {Indeed, it is my opinion that one only need look at those who hold such views to be disabused of the validity of the notion.} While everyone may not be equal in terms of income, physical size or appearance, or any of a thousand different ways, I am of the opinion that all people are (or rather should be) equal in terms of their humanity and right to the things we in the Western world have often taken for granted in recent years - life, liberty, an opportunity to be educated up to the their highest level of ability, and to live decently and without fear. I realize that this is not the case anywhere - I just believe that is how it SHOULD be.)
For dating purposes, I have chosen to use BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini - "In the Year of our Lord"). Though I do not personally follow any particular dogmatic religious path, I use it as being the most familiar system to the bulk of Western readers, over more recent systems such as BCE {Before Christian Era}, BPE {Before Present Era}, or other religious or cultural dating systems, which might be both unfamiliar and difficult for the lay reader. Where I quote a source who uses an alternate dating system, I will try to "translate" it in the text.
I am sure these pages will draw both fire and support. I stand by the evidence as I see it. However, if and when I am presented with convincing and soundly researched evidence, I will modify the articles accordingly.
Hope you enjoy them.
Durachdan,
Seamus
(NOTE: I am also currently seeking skilled volunteer assistance in converting current PDF image files to searchable OCR text files, and in writing, submitting, and editing articles. I particularly need people who have and use Adobe Acrobat and/or Photoshop, especially those with strong editorial skills, and with a strong knowledge of and interest in the subject areas. I am not in a position to pay at present, having invested far more in this site and the exisiting projects than I have received, but if in the future if this situation changes, I would be happy to compensate any willing workers. Meantime, you will have the satisfaction of putting the knowledge out to a wider audience.)
