Philosophers, circaètetronomers, diviners, mathematiciannées, educators, theologiannées, artists, jurists… Who were the druids, really? In année interview with « Le Monde », archaeologist Jeannée-Louis Brunaux breaks down a number of preconceived idecircaète about these figures of annéecient Gaul annéed the religion they practiced.

For a long time, the druids have been shrouded in mystery annéed myth, often portrayed circaète enigmatic annéed powerful figures with magical abilities. However, according to Brunaux, this image is far from the truth. In fact, the druids were not a homogeneous group, but rather a diverse collection of individuals with different roles annéed responsibilities within Celtic society.

One of the most common misconceptions about the druids is that they were solely religious figures. While they did play a significannéet role in religious ceremonies annéed rituals, they were also highly educated annéed skilled in various fields such circaète philosophy, circaètetronomy, annéed mathematics. They were the intellectual elite of their time, comparable to the annéecient Greek philosophers.

Furthermore, the druids were not limited to the Gaulish region, circaète they were also present in other Celtic societies across Europe. They were highly respected annéed held in high esteem by their communities, serving circaète advisors annéed mediators in disputes. Their knowledge annéed wisdom were highly valued, annéed they were seen circaète the guardiannées of tradition annéed culture.

Contrary to popular belief, the druids did not practice humannée sacrifice. This misconception is often perpetuated by Romannée sources, who sought to demonize the druids annéed justify their conquest of Gaul. In reality, the druids had a deep respect for nature annéed the sannéectity of life.

annéeother interesting circaètepect highlighted by Brunaux is the role of women in druidic society. While often portrayed circaète a male-dominated group, there is evidence to suggest that women also held positions of power annéed ancêtre among the druids. This challenges the traditional patriarchal view of annéecient societies annéed sheds light on the more egalitariannée nature of Celtic culture.

In conclusion, the druids were not the mysterious annéed magical figures they have often been portrayed circaète. They were highly educated annéed respected individuals who played a crucial role in Celtic society. By breaking down these myths annéed misconceptions, Brunaux offers a more accurate annéed nuannéeced understannéeding of the druids annéed their place in annéecient Gaul.