Celtic women in ancient literature

This study examines the lives of women in the ancient Celtic world through the lens of contemporary Greek and Roman literature. The wealth of information provided - particularly regarding the Celtic social system and the lives of women in various Celtic communities - complements and expands upon the primarily archaeological sources on these topics. Alongside comparisons with Roman and Greek portrayals of women, the main focus of the study is on the various aspects of Celtic social life, such as the role of women within the family, their rights, self-determination, duties both within and outside the community, as well as during wartime and on migratory journeys. The various aspects of the image of Celtic women are rounded off by the stories of well-known figures, such as Boudicca and Onomaris. As society underwent change through Romanisation and Christianisation, new spheres of responsibility and perspectives emerged for Celtic women - a development which is also touched upon here.