Pages: 25-45

The article discusses possible ways of how La Tène (Celtic) traditions spread in the first century BC — first century AD, and analyses the phenomenon of so-called Celtic veil, revealed on materials of cultures of Central and Eastern Europe which experienced strong Celtic cultural influence. Most likely, both of these phenomena reflect traces of presence in the central and eastern parts of Barbaricum not only of the Celts, but also Celticized or «Celtoid» groups. One of the most important roles in both of these phenomena is playd by a usually small but quite mobile and socially privileged group — the elite. Its activities can be expressed in the control of important trade routes as the primary source of wealth and prestige, presence of a foreign or alien ruler among the elite — i.e. a prince (or a leader) through which “cultural patronage” could be exercised, presence of dynastic matrimonial ties. Fashion played a significant role in this environment, as a means to manifest one's privileged position and identify with a particular social group (elite). Craftsmen — as an important element of the privileged stratum of the barbaric society — also played an important role. Finally, we should mention other factors, such as the possibility of common cults and cult centers, as well as intertribal centers, the joint cross-tribal participation of barbarians in the wars, and, as a result, the formation of a common military supratribal culture.

Keywords: Barbaricum, Celts, La Tène culture, “Celtic veil”, celtisation, fashion, elite, migrations

Information about author:

Victor Anisimov (Moscow, Russian Federation). Master's Degree Student. Moscow State Pedagogical University. M. Pirogovskaya St., 1/1, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]