"Celtic-speaking peoples were one of the most important population groups to spread across the ancient European continent. From 800 B.C. to 1050 A.D. their story is one of expanding power and influence followed by contraction and near-extinction." "Drawing on all possible sources of evidence, from archaeological remains of ancient Greece and Rome to surviving cultural influences, Daithi O. hOgain outlines the history of the Celts. He follows the evolution of their culture as it gained strength on its two-thousand-year passage westwards through Europe, through the upheaval of the early middle ages to 'twilight' and decline in the west." "The influence of the Celts is far more widespread than its fragmented survival in the outer fringes of western Europe indicates; this once important culture is still a vital component of European civilisation and heritage, from east to west. In tracing the course of the history of the Celts, O. hOgain shows how far-reaching their influence has been."--BOOK JACKET
Includes bibliographical references (pages 265-269) and index