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Episodes
- S1 E1 - Who Are the Celts?March 29, 201833minProfessor Paxton begins this lively history course by examining the common preconceptions about Celtic identity - before smashing them to bits. The first lecture paints the initial brushstrokes on the gargantuan canvas of this European culture most widely perceived as Scottish and Irish while promising much more. #HistoryFree trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E2 - The Celts and the Classical WorldMarch 29, 201832minOur earliest written records of the Celts come from Italy, Greece, and Spain, dating as far back as the 6th century B.C. Although scholarly theories about the Celts' migration throughout Europe conflict, the foundation of our understanding of their origins is laid bare here, peppered with several curious historic anecdotes.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E3 - Celtic Art and ArtifactsMarch 29, 201831minArchaeological studies of Celtic artifacts have woven a rich tapestry of their millennia-old society and its La Tène art style. Learn about war trumpets, gold necklaces, ornate helmets, and other recovered objects from around Europe to build an image of this ever-adapting culture and its connections to the classical world.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E4 - Celtic Languages in the Ancient WorldMarch 29, 201832minThe discovery of Celtic inscriptions on the western coast of Spain suggests the possible development of a common language along maritime Celtic trade routes, revolutionizing studies of Celtic origins and migration. The long-standing theory of Central European Celtic origins may die out thanks to new linguistic evidence.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E5 - Caesar and the GaulsMarch 29, 201833minSeveral centuries of violent combat against Celtic-controlled Gaul made northern Italy and southern France a dangerous neighborhood for the Romans. Hannibal, Gaius Marius, and Spartacus are just some of the famous figures of world history who encounter the Gauls in this lecture centered on Julius Caesar's wars against the Gauls.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E6 - Celtic Religion and the DruidsMarch 29, 201831minCeltic religious beliefs included divination, reincarnation, and human sacrifice. Along with these practices, discover the ancient religious figures known as druids who served as holy men, soothsayers, and even lawyers. Enjoy this insight into the Celtic version of one constant that appears in all civilizations - the sacred.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E7 - Celtic Britain and Roman BritainMarch 29, 201831minProfessor Paxton uses the theory of trade-based migration to first explain the arrival of the Celts influence in Britain before the arrival of the Romans. Then she details the exciting struggle between the Celts and the Romans over Britain, untangling the web of history on the island during the first and second centuries A.D.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E8 - Celts and Picts in ScotlandMarch 29, 201830minWith a Romanized southern Britain, what was life like in Scotland? Meet the warring tribes of Picts that ruled North Britain, with the Irish to the west and Angles moving in from the southeast. Highlights include the ancient Pictish tongue and the truth about William "Braveheart" Wallace and all that blue paint.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E9 - Prehistoric Ireland and the CeltsMarch 29, 201831minAn early Irish text called The Book of Invasions is the basis for this truly unique look back at the origins of Ireland and its people. In equal parts weird, fascinating, and humorous, this text tells of one-armed pirate giants, descendants of Noah, a tribe of sorcerers, and six full-scale takeovers of Ireland.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E10 - Celtic Britain after RomeMarch 29, 201832minNorth and west of what today is England, where the Romans held far less influence, a paradoxical era of both peaceful immigration and rebellion added to the melting pot of Britain in the first millennium A.D. Discover Cornwall, Wales, and parts of Scotland with a quick appearance of one of Britain's noblest legends: King Arthur.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E11 - Brittany and Galicia: Fringe of the FringeMarch 29, 201832minSee how both France and Spain welcomed immigrants from a rapidly de-Romanizing Britain. Brittany became a thriving Celtic province that maintained its autonomy through the Middle Ages, while Galicia mostly lost its Celtic identity until a revival of interest in modern times.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E12 - Celtic ChurchesMarch 29, 201832minThe melding of pagan religions and Christianity is a compelling tale. St. Patrick's legendary priesthood and missionary work are discussed, as is the Christian saint Brigid, who was remolded as a nature deity to impress the recently converted Irish. Learn how Irish monks brought Latin learning back to the European continent and "saved civilization."Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E13 - Celtic Art and Insular ArtMarch 29, 201831minNative Britons copied much of the art style prominent on the continent, complicating the process of defining Celtic art, but Professor Paxton unties this intricate knot. Observe some of Ireland's most breathtaking religious and secular art pieces, from the Book of Kells to the Tara Brooch.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E14 - Medieval Irish LiteratureMarch 29, 201832minThe early Irish prized literary skill just as much as prowess in warfare, and lords were judged by the quality of poet they could hire. This lecture gives a glimpse into the diverse genres of Irish literature, from epics about mythological heroes to exciting tales designed to warn kings about the dangers of ruling unjustly.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E15 - Celtic Women, Families, and Social StructureMarch 29, 201834minIrish society treated all disputes as civil suits between families - so if your cousin killed someone, you had to pay some of the damages, which varied with the social status of the victim. Gain a fascinating insight into the hierarchical structure of this period and women's roles in society as well.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E16 - The Irish Sea World: Celts and VikingsMarch 29, 201831minBy the turn of the first millennium A.D., we find ample evidence of Viking presence in both Ireland and Scotland. From raids to intermarriages, the Celtic-Scandinavian relationship is a stranger-than-fiction love-hate saga any history buff can appreciate.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E17 - English Invasions of Wales and IrelandMarch 29, 201832minGet a glimpse of the life of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, one of the most influential Welsh rulers, who briefly unified the country 1,000 years ago. Uncover the shocking truth of Henry II's invasion of Ireland and its causes as well as anti-Irish propaganda and the development of cruel stereotypes that influenced English views of the Irish down to the modern period.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E18 - Scotland from Macbeth to BraveheartMarch 29, 201833minHow do Shakespeare and Hollywood stack up against the truth in some of the fictional accounts of Scotland's history? Learn about the historical Macbeth and William Wallace (of Braveheart fame), as well as the famous ruler Robert Bruce, who secured Scottish independence from the invading English.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E19 - Politics and Literature in WalesMarch 29, 201832minUnveil the turbulent story of English conquest in Wales with this insightful glimpse into Welsh history that includes the unfortunate influence of misplaced loyalty to family that cost the Welsh their sovereignty forever. Then, look at Welsh literature, particularly the wonderful but enigmatic myths of the Mabinogi and the witty poems of Dafydd ap Gwilym.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E20 - The Tudor Conquest of IrelandMarch 29, 201834minAfter Henry VIII denounced Catholicism, England tried repeatedly to bring Ireland into its fold. With Catholicism and Protestantism at odds, Irish chieftains were caught in the middle: the English offered land deals in exchange for shedding their Irish culture and heritage. Witness the aftermath when a historic powder keg exploded, with devastating losses on both sides.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E21 - (Re)Discovering the CeltsMarch 29, 201833minJust as the Tudors were conquering Ireland, linguistic studies of the Celtic languages began and a new fascination with the Celts slowly emerged. Witness the resurgence of mythological Celtic tales and the revival of the tartan after it was briefly banned by the British; see how fascination with the druids and Welsh bards created a newly confident Welsh identity.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E22 - The Gaelic Revival in IrelandMarch 29, 201833minCompared to the fun-loving and historically focused revival of Celtic culture in Scotland and Wales, Ireland's Celtic revival had more of a political edge. Ancient Irish mythology played a surprising role in the growth of Irish nationalism that led to conflict and ultimately to independence from Britain.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E23 - Celtic Music and DanceMarch 29, 201833minCeltic instruments come to life in this lecture. Take a music lesson and learn about the carnyx, a war trumpet; the bodhrán, a hand drum; and the crwth, a lyre played with a bow. Treat your ears to samples of these and beautiful Irish singing, then watch clips of delightful Celtic dances based on classic traditions.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E24 - The Celts TodayMarch 29, 201839minIn the final lecture, end your 2,500-year journey with the Celts by considering the Celtic nations in the 21st century. Bilingualism, modern Celtic pop culture, and renewed nationalist groups pushing for political autonomy are merely the tip of the iceberg in this satisfying conclusion to a truly epic history of culture, politics, and warfare.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
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