The Origins and Movements of the Ancient Celts: A Tracing of Their Journey

The ancient Celts, a group with rich and complex origins, migrated extensively across Europe between the 9th and 7th centuries BC. Their movements trace back to their roots in Finland and the aftermath of the Trojan War, before eventually settling in various regions including Sardinia, Greece, and finally England. This article delves into these migrations, shedding light on the historical context and the significant events that shaped the Celtic presence in Europe.

From Finland to Sardinia (900 BC)

The first group of Celts recorded to have migrated from Finland to Sardinia and further into Europe, specifically Italy, England, and Spain, did so around 900 BC. These people were displaced from their homeland, driven out by probable political or military pressure. Some contemporary theories suggest that they were refugees fleeing the failing Bronze Age kingdoms of the northern Mediterranean, caused by internal conflicts or natural disasters.

From Finland to Turkey and Further (700 BC)

It is also said that a second group of Celts, who arrived in Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, England, and Ireland around 700 BC, were refugees from Turkey. Their exodus from Turkey was instigated by their king, Midas, who feared a possible repetition of a disaster. This disaster was reportedly a heavenly strike, reminiscent of an event that occurred in 1185 BC, having incinerated the Hittites, another ancient civilization, and before that in 1445 BC. These events prompted a mass migration northward, across the Baltic Sea, through Poland, and ultimately into the Danube region and beyond.

The Trojan Connection: An Unbroken Line of Descent

Interestingly, the Celts’ lineage can be traced back to the Trojan War, which ended in 1190 BC. Both groups of Celts from around the 900s BC and 700s BC originated from Finland, from people who were descendants of Trojans. This continuous connection suggests a deep-rooted cultural and historical influence that persisted across generations, even as they traveled and settled in different lands.

A New Chapter in England (1133 BC)

Before the 700 BC migration, a third set of Celts arrived in England around 1133 BC led by a man named Brutus. He was not a native but rather a hero who led his people from a life of slavery in Sweden. His wife, Emogen, had Swedish and Polish ancestry, highlighting the cosmopolitan nature of these early European societies. After securing freedom for his people, Brutus faced an unexpected request from the Swedish king. He was offered enough ships to leave the region, on the condition that he would marry the Swedish king's daughter. This unique arrangement led to a long-lasting peace between England, Sweden, and Poland, a legacy that endures even today with Polish being the second most commonly spoken language in Britain.

The Pictish Legacy: Sardinia to Scotland (Post-700 BC)

A fourth and final set of ?elts moved from Sardinia to Ireland and then further north to Scotland around 700 BC. They were forced to leave Sardinia by Carthage and settled in Ireland, marrying Irish widows. From here, they ventured to Scotland, where they became known as the Picts. Their genetic legacy can still be traced in the Pictish region, indicating significant cultural exchanges and intermarriages that occurred in the areas they settled.

Conclusion

The migrations and movements of the ancient Celts are intricate, reflecting the complex geopolitical landscape of their time. From the Finnish refugees of the Trojan War to the diverse set of events that dictated the movements of later groups of Celts, their journey is a fascinating tale of survival, cultural adaptation, and persistent lineage. As we continue to explore ancient history, these movements remain crucial to understanding the rich tapestry of European culture and its historical connections.