The Celts: Blood, Iron and Sacrifice
This three-part documentary discovers the origins and beliefs of the Celts in artifacts and human remains across Europe. What emerges is not a portrait of wild people on the western fringes of Europe, but a highly sophisticated tribal culture that influenced vast areas of the ancient world - and even Rome.
- 2015-2015
- 1 season
- HBO Max
- Documentary
This three-part documentary discovers the origins and beliefs of the Celts in artifacts and human remains across Europe. What emerges is not a portrait of wild people on the western fringes of Europe, but a highly sophisticated tribal culture that influenced vast areas of the ancient world - and even Rome.
Season 1 Episode Guide
3 Episodes 2015
Episode 1
At the Gates of Rome
57 mins
*Our still traditional image of the Celts, as naked barbarians invading from central Europe, was construed from their victors, classical Rome, the only side which left writings and monuments to glorify its Hellenistic civilization. Recent archaeological finds however prove the Celtic cultures, like the one named after Hallstadt in Austria, also reached a respectable level of material, even artistic culture and trade long before its decisive duel with Rome started with tribal warlord Brennus's triumphant invasion over the Alps. Artefacts, trade routes and writings in adopted alphabets -having none themselves- suggest earlier contacts, notably with Phoenicians, and a plausible alternative their culture may have originated from the Atlantic west, where their languages survive, and spread east to the continent.
Episode 2
Fight for Gaul
51 mins
The Celtic tribes turned from traders into professional warriors, mercenaries and conquerors, spreading over most of Europe and even Galatia, in Asia Minor. That was one of the first parts to fall to the rising Mediterranean power, rebuilt Rome, which unlike the Celts was the very model of unified order, which quickly subjugated Iberia and southern France, yet gave the heartland Gaul the dived and rule treatment, allying itself with the strategic Aedui tribe in Burgundy. Their culture and military technology were far from the naked savages depicted by Time, as shown by the La Tène finds near lake Geneva, which also proves their dark, bloodily cruel side. Firstmost Roman general Julius Caesar won his greatest fame by conquering Gaul, despite it being united in defense by equally gifted warrior-king Vercingetorix. His vast army expected to hold out in its hill citadel of Alesia. Caeser laid a massive siege and built an equally impressive outward defense ring before Celtic reinforcements arrived, then made the difference with his last reserve legion when a break-trough from both sides was about to happen and ruthlessly smashed his adversary for good, slaying a million Gauls, selling another into slavery and taming the last third forever.
Episode 3
The Revolt of Boudica
51 mins
In episode three, the Roman army turns its attention to an island of rich resources, powerful tribes and druids and advanced military equipment - Britain. We tell the story of the Celts's last stand against the Roman army - a revolt led by Queen Boudica.
