CHAPTER V

THE EARLY IRON AGE

Iron probably introduced into Britain by Gallic invaders 231

The Belgae preceded by other Brythons, who began to arrive about 400 B.C. 232

Ethnology of the invaders 234

The order in which the various tribes arrived unknown 235

‘Late Celtic’ art 236

Coral and enamel 237

Swords and scabbards 238

Mirrors 239

Brooches and pins 240

Ornaments 241

Woodwork 241

Pottery 242

The noblest creation of Late Celtic art 244

Imported objects of art 246

British ships and coracles 247

Trackways 247

Coinage 248

Iron currency bars 250

Mining 251

Agriculture 252

Dwellings of the rich 254

Towns 254

Hill-forts 255

Some permanently inhabited 257

Hunsbury 259

Inhabited caves; pit-dwellings; ‘Picts’ houses’; beehive houses; and brochs 260

The Glastonbury marsh-village 263

Dress 264

Reading and writing 265

Inequalities in culture 266

Intertribal war and political development 268

Instances of female sovereignty: the condition of women 269

Political and social conditions of Britain and Gaul compared 270

Religion 271

Sepulchral usages 286

The Druids 289

Ties between Britons and Gauls 299

How the Britons were affected by Caesar’s campaigns in Gaul 300