http://godinakilt.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] godinakilt.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2006-02-01 11:08 am
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Celtic Studies (02/01)

[[The mun will be around all day because 'se sneachd a th'ann! Abair sneachd! Snow day! *parties*]]

Camulus is looking concerned - well, as concerned as he can - and glances up every time someone walks by the open door. Nevertheless, he begins class. "Last class we were looking at the continental Celts of the Halstatt and La Tene types. One of the reasons that we have information about these cultures - other than archaeological - is the accounts of the Greeks and Romans, who reported on both the continental and isular Celts. There is very, very little information on the Celts in Britain and Ireland before Caesar invaded in the first century BCE. What information we do have from these sources is very biased, usually casting the Celt as a Noble Savage. They found the Celts to be irrationally brave but "lost heart easily" if the tide of battle turned against them; unpredictable and unreliable as mercenaries, as they were often too superstitious or too drunk; yet easy to rouse into battle. Some sources even called them barbarians and accused them of human sacrifice. The classical physical description of a Celt described bleached hair, shaved cheeks, shaggy mustaches, and painted or tattooed. They fought naked and were noisy in battle.

He continues to lecture on the Roman invasion of Britain, the building of Hadrian's wall, the ultimate futility of it, the ability of the Celtic culture to survive even into modern times, yadda yadda.

"Finally, we will be watching an episode of History Bites which focuses on the Boudiccan Rebellion." Lyta might be a little amused at the fact that the entire rebellion is cast as the ancient Celtic 'Thelma and Louise'. But with no chariot death.

[identity profile] psi16.livejournal.com 2006-02-01 04:20 pm (UTC)(link)
"I think it was Machiavelli who wrote that a prince should never 'be a violator of the property and women of his subjects,' because this will make the citizens of his new principality hate him. Most men, he argued, 'live content' 'when neither their property nor honour is touched,'" Lyta said. "As distasteful as I generally find Machiavelli, he's right -- had the new Roman leaders not...humiliated...Boudica and her daughters, the annexation might have passed without so much bloodshed. People can only stand so much injury to pride and spirit before they feel the need to free themselves."
sensethevisions: (Default)

[personal profile] sensethevisions 2006-02-01 09:44 pm (UTC)(link)
"The Romans did that a lot," Phoebe agreed with Lyta.