In the bustling streets of ancient Athens, amid the olive groves and marble colonnades, there existed a place where intellectual inquiry soared to unprecedented heights—the illustrious Plato’s Academy. Nestled within the heart of the city, this venerable institution stood as a beacon of enlightenment, nurturing the minds of generations and shaping the course of Western […]
In the intricate tapestry of ancient Gaelic society, the role of the Ollamh stands as a beacon of wisdom, scholarship, and profound intellectual prowess. To the uninitiated, the term might seem enigmatic, shrouded in the mist of time and tradition. Yet, the Ollamh embodies an archetype deeply ingrained in Gaelic culture. They were masterful custodians […]
The Indo-Europeans, also known as the Proto-Indo-Europeans (PIE), represent one of the most enigmatic and influential peoples of ancient times. Their legacy is woven into the fabric of numerous modern languages, cultures, and civilisations, spanning vast regions from Europe to parts of Asia. Let’s delve into the origins, culture, and impact of these ancient peoples. […]
Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is known for his role in bringing Christianity to the Irish people. While many details of his life are shrouded in legend and myth, there are some generally accepted historical facts about his life. He is known as the “Apostle of Ireland”, being the primary patron saint. The other patron […]
Ivar the Boneless was a Viking chieftain, of Danish origin. A personality surrounded by legend. He undoubtedly had a lasting effect upon the bio-culture of Britain and Ireland. Unlike those who had come before him, Ivar was more a conqueror than a raider. He will forever be remembered as the leader of “The Great Heathen Army”, who arrived on […]
Ragnar Lothbrok, the son of the legendary king of the Swedes, Sigurd Ring, famous for conducting raids on the British Isles and Holy Roman Empire within the 9th century. Icelandic sources dictate that Ragnar Lothbrok was the scourge of Britain and France in the Middle Ages. He had three wives and fathered the famous Ivar the Boneless, […]
The legendary Niall of the Nine Hostages lived and ruled Ireland at sometime between the late 3rd century and early 4th century C.E. He was a great expansive King and the ancestor of many people in areas where Gaelic people settled. The Early Life of Niall of the Nine Hostages There are various legendary accounts of Niall’s birth. The […]
Introduction Alfred the Great was the famous king of the West Saxons from 871 to 886 CE and King of the Anglo-Saxons from 886 to 899 CE. He was the youngest son of King Aethelwulf, who had died when Alfred was young. After becoming King, Alfred won a decisive victory in the Battle of Edington […]
Historians and academics better know the ancient Irish book Lebor Gabála Érenn as The Taking of Ireland. This important text consists of six different invasions culminating with the people we know today as the Gaels. Irish monks documented and wrote down the surviving oral traditions compiling all into one book. It begins with the very […]
Before the Roman invasions, Britain was more an ideological counterpoint than a geographical entity. “There is distant Britain, the furthest people of the world, set in an unknown sea, where even the signs of the zodiac are not recognisable.” Caesar documented that the Britons dye their bodies with woad. The woad produces a blue colour, further […]