#english_history 

## Arrival of the Celts
Around **700 BC**, the Celts, who were similar in appearance and physical characteristics to [[Britain's prehistory#^bfc9c9|the Beaker people]], started arriving. It is possible that they drove many of the older inhabitants westwards into Wales, Scotland and Ireland, and, just like the Beaker people, it is unclear whether they came as a result of an invasion or peacefully as a result of the lively trade with Europe. However, from about *500 BC* trade contact with Europe declined, and regional differences between northwest and southeast Britain increased. The last Celtic arrivals from Europe were the **Belgic tribes**, who probably pushed the other Celtic tribles northwards as they settled in. They were, according to [[Julius Caesar]], different from the older inhabitants.

## The importance of the Celts in British history
They are so important in British history because they are the ancestors of many Scots, Irish and Welsh, for some Celtic languages are still spoken in these areas. ^7e31b0

## Celtic life

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They were **technically advanced**, as they knew how to work with **iron** and used advanced ploughing methods, which it made it possible for them to farm heavier soils. 
The Celts were organised into different **tribes**, and tribal **chiefs** were chosen from each family or tribe. Although the Celts were far more advanced than their Beaker predecessors, they still used the same hill-forts. They were, just like the henges before them, centres of social, economic and political power. 
The Celts traded across tribal borders, as well as with Ireland and Europe. For money they had used **iron bars**, until they began to copy the Roman coins they saw in France.
According to the Romans, their men wore shirts and **breeches** (knee-length trousers), and striped or checked cloaks fastened by a pin. It is possible that the Scottish tartan and dress developed from this striped cloak. As one Roman wrote, the Celts were also "very careful about cleanliness and neatness".
The Celtic tribes were ruled over by a warrior class, of which the priests, or **Druids**, seem to have been particularly important members. They were illiterate, however memorised all the knowledge necessary in Celtic society. It is thought that they met once a year in sacred groves of trees or other locations. ^71f566

## Gender equality
We have evidence to suggest that women had much more independence in Celtic society. A prime example of such women is queen **[[Queen Boadicea|Boadicea]]**, who led her tribe against the Romans in 61 CE.