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Halloween originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of harvest and the start of winter. Believing the boundary between the living and dead blurred on October 31st, Celts lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off spirits. After Roman conquest, Celtic traditions merged with Catholic culture, resulting in the celebration of "All Hallows Eve" on October 31st and "All Hallows Day" on November 1st.
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Celts were come from Central Europe around 800 BC, they landed on British Isles after a long journey.
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The Celts, a diverse group of warrior tribes, shared linguistic and cultural ties. Renowned for unique artistry like intricate metalwork and knot patterns, their ironworking fostered local independence. Living in thatched-roof wooden huts, they balanced agriculture with warfare, introducing the iron plough for efficient soil cultivation. Valuing personal honor, respecting women's choices in marriage, and nurturing a deep connection with nature, the Celts practiced the Druism religion.
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The spear they used is decorated with four pieces of copper, two on each side.
Each pair of strips is almost symmetrical. -
In 55 BC, Julius Caesar initiated the invasion of Britain, with full conquest occurring in 43-47 AD under Emperor Claudius. Romans integrated conquered tribes into provincial administration, fostering town growth near army bases. Roman-built cities like Londinium and Verulamium showcased impressive structures, roads, and public baths, influencing British society for nearly four centuries until the early 5th century AD.
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Hadrian's Wall, constructed in 122 AD during the Roman occupation of Britain by Emperor Hadrian, spans 117 kilometers across northern England, serving as a defensive fortification against unconquered northern tribes. The 6-meter-high stone wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases Roman engineering. Patrolled by soldiers, it protected the Roman province of Britannia.
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After the Romans withdrew in 410 AD, the Romanised Celts faced a new threat: the Anglo-Saxons, Germanic and Danish tribes settling gradually in Britain. By the end of the 6th century, Pope Gregory I's monk, Augustine, Christianized the island, becoming the first Archbishop of Canterbury. The Anglo-Saxons established kingdoms, bringing their language, laying the foundation for today's English, with words like "house," "man," and "friend" originating from Old English.
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Composed in the early 8th century but set in 6th-century Scandinavia, Beowulf is an epic poem depicting the heroic deeds of its protagonist. As the first written document in Old English, it provides insights into the values of its time. Beowulf, a courageous warrior, confronts the monstrous Grendel and a dragon, embodying the timeless theme of good versus evil and showcasing qualities of a true hero—bravery, loyalty, and selflessness.