Ancient history of the nation.

3.1.1 Approximately in 700 BC Britain was invaded by the Celts, who are supposed to have come from Central Europe or further east, from Southern Russia. They were tall, strong people with long red or sandy hair, armed with iron swords and knives which were much stronger than the bronze weapons used by the native population. The first group of invaders was called the Goidels or Gaels. They occupied the central part of GB and later western and northern areas. The original language of Ireland and North-west Scotland is thus Gaelic.

3.1.2 The second wave of Celtic tribes, the Brythonic Celts or Brythons, from whose name – according to one of the versions – is derived the word “Britain”, arrived in England between 600 and 500 BC, and settled in the South of England and South West Scotland. Their language developed into the Celtic language of modern Wales. The third wave of invaders, Belgae (the Belgic tribes) arrived about 100 BC and occupied the greater part the central part of GB. The earliest Celts were in the bronze stage of development, but later Celtic invaders brought with them the knowledge of iron working. Trade, industry and agriculture flourished, as did the sheep and cattle breeding. They established a warrior aristocracy and a number of tribal kingdoms.

3.1.3 The Britons were polytheistic, that is they believed in many gods. They believed that different gods lived in the thickest and darkest parts of the forests. Some plants, such as the mistletoe and the oak-tree, were considered sacred. Some historians think that the Britons were governed by a class of priests called Druids who had great power over them. Stonehenge was the temple of the Druids, just as it had been the temple of the primitive men before.

3.1.4 At the turn of the Christian era it was the close relations of Britain to Gaul which first attracted the notice of the Romans. The reason for the Romans to invade Britain was the fact that the country produced and exported corn, animals, hunting dogs and slaves. So the Romans could make use of British food, at least, for their own army fighting with Gauls. So, they prepared for an invasion. Julius Caesar was the first to carry the Roman banner to the British Isles. In 55 BC he landed and engaged the Britons but soon withdrew his troops because the local opposition was strong. The following year with an army of 25,000 he landed again and penetrated where the London now stands, there he defeated the Celtic tribesmen. He levied tribute upon them but again withdrew without making a permanent occupation.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-16