Caesar's Druids : story of an ancient priesthood / Miranda Aldhouse-Green.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Aldhouse-Green, Miranda J. (Miranda Jane)

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Druids and druidism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (1 online resource (xvii, 338 p.) ) ill.

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

New Haven [Conn.] : Yale University Press, c2010.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Ancient chroniclers, including Julius Caesar himself, made the Druids and their sacred rituals infamous throughout the Western world. But in fact, as Miranda Aldhouse-Green shows in this fascinating book, the Druids' day-to-day lives were far less lurid and much more significant. Exploring the various roles that Druids played in British and Gallic society during the first centuries B.C. and A.D.-not just as priests but as judges, healers, scientists, and power brokers-Aldhouse-Green argues that they were a highly complex, intellectual, and sophisticated group whose influence transcended religion and reached into the realms of secular power and politics. With deep analysis, fresh interpretations, and critical discussions, she gives the Druids a voice that resonates in our own time.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Figures

Acknowledgements

Preface

CHAPTER 1 The Moon and the Mistletoe IN SEARCH OF ANCIENT DRUIDS

CHAPTER 2 Noble Savages and Barbarous Enemies

CHAPTER 3 Priests and Power

CHAPTER 4 Blood, Thunder and Precious Gifts THE DRUIDS AND SACRIFICE

CHAPTER 5 Druids, Oracles and Shamans

CHAPTER 6 The Time Lords: Calendars, Festivals and Sacred Knowledge

CHAPTER 7 Holy Ground SANCTUARIES AND SACRED LANDSCAPES

CHAPTER 8 The Druids' Toolkit REGALIA AND RITUAL EQUIPMENT

CHAPTER 9 Druids and Doctrine EARTH, SPIRIT AND UNDERWORLD

CHAPTER 10 Images and Tombs DRUIDS FACE TO FACE?

CHAPTER 11 Gender Matters DRUIDS, DRUIDESSES AND GENDER-CROSSERS

CHAPTER 12 Druids Underground REBELLION, RESISTANCE AND REVITALISATION IN THE WESTERN ROMAN PROVINCES

Epilogue: Druid Afterlife

Notes

Bibliography

Index

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0-300-16588-9

OCLC:

808346501