Leslie Kelly: Celtic Paths, Illuminated by a Sundial Graham Robb’s Theory on Celtic Migrations

As someone with strong Irish roots (Kelly is basically the Jones or Roberts of the Irish), it's really neat to find another scrap of information about my ancestors, especially when they're as weird and elusive as the Celts. What a zany bunch. Also, not the best record-keepers in the world. Now, when people think of the word "Celt," a naked warrior running towards you with the crazy eyes or creepy priests that burned people may come to mind. But there is also evidence that the Celts were quite sophisticated. In fact, I've read that the Druids had their own calendar and zodiac, based on the lunar cycle. Sorry, geeking out a little here. History's interesting, leave me alone. ANYWAY, my article discussed a new book regarding the Celts' unexpected complexities called The Discovery of Middle Earth: Mapping the Lost World of the Celts, written by British author Graham Robb. Robb has come to the conclusion that the ancient Celts created a complicated and precise pattern of towns and holy places based on the Druids' astronomy and mathematical measurements. Although his thesis has faced disbelief from his peers, Robb is convinced that, although this is not an usual pattern of behavior and movement among ancient peoples, "the sheer scope and accuracy of the Celtic enterprise are unparalleled." Oh geez if you actually read all of this bravo fellow history nerd! Read the article here.