What did Julius Caesar say about the Druids?
Julius Caesar wrote that the Druids “engaged in things sacred, conduct the public and the private sacrifices, and interpret all matters of religion,” indicating a deep respect for their role in Celtic society, but also expressing concern over their practices, such as human sacrifice. According to Caesar’s accounts, the Druids were highly respected and called on for advice and instruction, serving as judges for most public and private disputes, from major and minor crimes to arguments about money and property, but their alleged involvement in human sacrifice shocked and horrified the Romans.
Introduction to Julius Caesar and the Druids
Background Information
In his series of books collectively known as “The Gallic Wars,” Julius Caesar provided valuable insights into the lives and practices of the Druids, who were an integral part of Celtic society. The Druids were a high-ranking priestly class in ancient Celtic cultures, serving as religious leaders, legal authorities, adjudicators, lorekeepers, medical professionals, and political advisors.
Understanding the Druids
The Druids left no written accounts, and therefore, historians have relied heavily on the writings of Roman authors, such as Julius Caesar and Tacitus, to gain an understanding of their practices and way of life. According to these accounts, the Druids were perceived as savages who engaged in strange rituals, possibly involving human sacrifice, which was abhorrent to the Romans.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Julius Caesar and the Druids
- What was Caesar’s opinion of Druids? Julius Caesar perceived the Druids of Gaul and Britain as savages who engaged in strange rituals, possibly involving human sacrifice.
- Why was Julius Caesar afraid of the Druids? Caesar was shocked by the Druids‘ practice of human sacrifice, which was a major point of contention between the Romans and the Celtic societies.
- What did the Romans say about the Druids? The Romans stated that the Druids offered human sacrifices for those who were gravely sick or in danger of death in battle, and that they would choose innocent victims if necessary.
About the Druids
- What race were Druids? A Druid was a member of the high-ranking priestly class in ancient Celtic cultures.
- Why did the Romans persecute the Druids? The Romans persecuted the Druids because they were alleged to practice human sacrifice, which was abhorrent to the Romans.
- Was Jesus taught by Druids? According to legend, Jesus traveled to the West Country with Joseph of Arimathaea and studied with the Druids in Glastonbury.
About Druidry
- What God did the Druids believe in? Druidry is now often described as polytheistic, with an emphasis on the idea that these deities predate Christianity.
- Were the Druids Scottish or Irish? While Druids featured prominently in many medieval Scottish and Irish sources, there were also Welsh Druids.
- What did Julius Caesar think of the Celts? Caesar perceived the Celts as a group of half-naked barbarians with swords and axes who were eager to fight.
About the Legacy of the Druids
- How evil were the Druids? There is no reason to believe that the Druids were evil, as the ancient references to them were written by people who regarded them as enemies of the Romans.
- Did the Romans persecute the Druids? Yes, the Romans persecuted the Druids, destroying their sacred oak groves, smashing their altars and temples, and killing anyone they could find.
- Were Druids good or evil? The Druids were highly respected and called on for advice and instruction, serving as judges for most public and private disputes.
About Modern Druidry
- What is Caesar’s greatest flaw? Caesar’s main tragic flaw is his confidence, which led to his downfall.
- Do Druids still exist? Yes, Druids have gone through several revivals over the millennia, including a Romantic-era resurgence and a 21st-century incarnation as Modern Druidism.
- Who are the descendants of the Druids? During the 18th century, Druids came to be seen as the ancestors of the bards, the praise poets, musicians, and genealogists, who flourished in Welsh medieval society.