The Bassierts' Flagons: A Glimpse into Early Northern European Society

The Bassierts' Flagons, discovered in northeastern France, provide key insights into the society of early Northern Europe. These bronze wine jugs, dating back 2,500 years, were highly decorative and elegant, featuring intricate animal and bird motifs. Contrary to the Greek stereotype of crude barbarians, these flagons prove the sophistication and international contacts of the people in Northern Europe. The craftsmanship and combination of foreign and local design elements in the flagons showcase a new wave of creativity in the Iron Age. While the term 'Celtic Art' emerged from Greek references to these people, their own identity and language remain complex and disputed.