The Celts: Warriors and Farmers of Ancient Britain!
The Celts were people who lived in Britain, Ireland, and Europe over 2,000 years ago. They were fierce warriors, skilled craftsmen, and great farmers. The Celts didn’t write things down, so we have learned about them from Roman writings and ancient objects they left behind.
The Celts in Wales 
In Wales, the Celts lived in tribes and built hillforts on high ground to protect themselves from enemies. The Welsh language comes from the ancient Celtic language, which means we still have a connection to the Celts today!
Fun Fact: The Romans called the Welsh Celts the Silures and the Ordovices. These tribes were fierce fighters who didn’t give up easily when the Romans invaded!
What Did the Celts Look Like? 
The Celts loved to wear brightly coloured clothes with checked or striped patterns, similar to tartan. They dyed their clothes using plants and wore cloaks, tunics, and leather shoes.
Warriors had long hair and moustaches.
Before battle, they painted their bodies with blue dye (woad) to look scary!
They wore gold and bronze jewellery, like torcs (neck rings).
Did You Know? The Celts washed their hair with limewater to make it spiky!
Where Did the Celts Live? 
Most Celts lived in roundhouses made of wood and straw.
Roundhouses had a fire in the middle to cook food and keep warm.
Houses were built inside hillforts, which had high walls and ditches for protection.
Whole families lived in one house, including grandparents!
Fun Fact: You can still visit ancient Celtic hillforts in Wales today, like Tre’r Ceiri on the Llyn Peninsula!
What Did the Celts Eat? 
The Celts were great farmers and grew crops like wheat, oats, and barley. They hunted animals and kept cows, sheep, and pigs for milk, meat, and wool.
Pottage – A thick soup made from vegetables and grains. Flatbread – Baked over an open fire.
Fruits and nuts – Apples, berries, and hazelnuts were popular.
Meat – Wild boar, deer, and fish were eaten by richer Celts.
Did You Know? The Celts drank ale (a type of beer) made from barley!
Celtic Warriors and Battles
The Celts were fearsome warriors and often fought against other tribes or the Romans.
They charged into battle yelling loudly to scare their enemies!
They used long swords, spears, and round shields.
Some warriors rode into battle on horses or chariots.
Famous Celtic leaders like Boudicca fought against the Roman invasion!
Did You Know? The Celts did not wear metal armour – they fought in tunics or even shirtless!
Celtic Gods and Beliefs 
The Celts believed in many gods and goddesses, who controlled nature, animals, and the weather.
Druids were wise leaders who carried out religious ceremonies in sacred forests. Celts lit huge fires during festivals like Beltaine (May Day) and Samhain (Halloween)!
They believed in spirits, magic, and powerful symbols like the Celtic knot.
Did You Know? Many Celtic festivals are still celebrated today, like Halloween (Samhain) and May Day (Beltaine)!
The Celts vs. The Romans 
In AD 43, the Romans invaded Britain and fought the Celts for control.
Some Celtic tribes fought back fiercely and resisted the Romans for many years.
Boudicca, the queen of the Iceni tribe, led a huge rebellion against the Romans! Eventually, the Romans built towns, roads, and forts across Britain, but Celtic traditions still remained in places like Wales!
Fun Fact: Some places in Wales still have Celtic names, like Eryri (Snowdonia)!
Conclusion
The Celts were brave warriors, clever farmers, and skilled craftsmen. Even though the Romans took over Britain, Celtic culture and traditions survived in Wales, Scotland, and Ireland!
