No One Should Be Surprised That Celtic Britain Was Women-Centric

Many other ancient Roman writers, including the politician Julius Caesar, were similarly fascinated — or terrified — by the women they encountered among the Celts. They were said to be able to take multiple husbands, divorce, inherit property, hold positions of power and fight in battles. Actually, two of the earliest recorded British rulers were w... See more

Diodorus of Sicily described Celtic women as ‘not only like the men in their great stature but (..) a match for them in courage as well.’

In his 1975 book, Women of the Celts , French historian Jean Markale delved into historical sources, old Welsh and Irish laws, as well mythological traditions to argue that Celtic women — whether Irish, Breton, or British — ‘enjoyed freedom and rights’ and ‘could become head of the family, rule, be a prophetess, enchantress or educator, could marry... See more

In his 1975 book, Women of the Celts , French historian Jean Markale delved into historical sources, old Welsh and Irish laws, as well mythological traditions to argue that Celtic women — whether Irish, Breton, or British — ‘enjoyed freedom and rights’ and ‘could become head of the family, rule, be a prophetess, enchantress or educator, could marry... See more

In fact, communities that are matrilineal — where descent is traced through the female line — matrilocal — where women remain near their families after marriage — or matricentric/matrifocal — with women heading the household — are usually egalitarian, with both women and men playing significant roles. As Monica Sjöö and Barbara Mor note in their 19... See more