Join Tristan Hughes and Professor Ronald Hutton, a respected expert on ancient history and Druidic studies, as they unravel the mysterious world of Druids in Britain and France. They discuss Caesar's encounters with these formidable foes and Cicero's intriguing meetings with a Druid leader. The conversation delves into the complexities of Druidic rituals, including the controversial debate on human sacrifice, and tackles the Druids' role in resisting Roman forces. Explore how perceptions of these enigmatic figures have evolved through the ages.
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insights INSIGHT
Understanding Druidic Sources
Druids were the primary religious and spiritual experts in Northwestern Europe 2,000 years ago.
Our knowledge of Druids comes from non-Druid sources, primarily Roman and Irish, creating inherent biases.
insights INSIGHT
Roman Bias in Druidic Accounts
Romans often depicted conquered people as barbaric to justify their conquests, including accusing them of human sacrifice.
The lack of Druidic writings makes it difficult to counter these Roman portrayals.
insights INSIGHT
Druidic Geography
Druids lived in Northwestern Europe, specifically in what is now France, Belgium, and the British Isles.
Their geographic location is well-established, but other aspects of their existence are less clear.
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This book by Ronald Hutton examines the history of the Druids in Britain from ancient times to the present day. It delves into the scarcity of reliable evidence about the ancient Druids, which has allowed subsequent British generations to reimagine and reinterpret their roles. Hutton charts how the Druids have been portrayed in various ways—as patriots, scientists, philosophers, or priests—and sometimes as corrupt, bloodthirsty, or ignorant. The book also explores how the Druids have been written in and out of history, archaeology, and public consciousness, particularly during the romantic period when they dominated notions of British prehistory.
Blood and mistletoe
the history of the Druids in Britain
Ronald Hutton
This book by Ronald Hutton examines the history of the Druids in Britain from ancient times to the present day. It delves into the scarcity of reliable evidence about the ancient Druids, which has allowed subsequent British generations to reimagine and reinterpret their roles. Hutton charts how the Druids have been portrayed in various ways—as patriots, scientists, philosophers, or priests—and sometimes as corrupt, bloodthirsty, or ignorant. The book also explores how the Druids have been written in and out of history, archaeology, and public consciousness, particularly during the romantic period when they dominated notions of British prehistory.
Aligning with the winter solstice of 2024, Tristan Hughes and Professor Ronald Hutton delve into the ancient Druids of Britain and France.
They discuss how Julius Caesar encountered this feared enemy in his Roman conquest of Gaul, and Cicero had meetings with a Druid leader in Rome.
From human sacrifice to the creation of Stone Henge, to battles with St. Patrick of Ireland, Tristan and Ronald consider the complex history and evolving perceptions of these enigmatic figures.
Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.
Theme music from Motion Array, all other music from Epidemic Sounds
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