Both Scotland and Ireland possess common roots of language, culture, and tradition. Throughout the past two thousand years, these two lands, though separated by the Irish Sea, have nonetheless shared many triumphs and woes. As the centuries passed, mercenaries, settlers, and entire clans moved back and forth between Scotland and Ireland, weaving together the tales of these two peoples. The course will provide a basis for students to understand the complex relationship between these two Celtic nations. The lessons in Part 1 will cover the interactions of the Irish Scots with groups such as the Picts and Romans, the Kingdom of Dalriada’s rise and fall, Iron Age Celtic society, and the impacts of various invaders into the Celtic lands of the British Isles.
A prologue to the course and discussing not only the outline and what to expect from the course, but also the instructor's background and experience.
Also included is a retelling of the "Sons of the Mil" story and an analysis of the value of storytelling as an educational tool and a window into history.
A broad examination of the origins of the Celts in Europe, their eventual migrations, and the decline of continental Celtic power. The early Celtic presence in the British Isles will likewise be covered.
Cuchulain, a hero of Irish myth and legend, sheds a light on the society of Iron-Age Celts. In this second part of the "Ancient Celts" topic, we explore issues of women in Celtic society and warrior culture that extend throughout history.
We'll have a look through Rome's animosity to the Celts, the military campaigns against them as Rome grew in power, and the final battles between Julius Caesar and the tribal chief, Vercingetorix.
The Romans must deal with rebellions and the independent tribes of Britons in this second part of the "Roman and Celt" topic. Heroes and leaders on both sides will determine who reigns supreme in Britannia.
The story Saint Patrick and the coming of Christianity to Ireland. Patrick's legacy expanded beyond that of his adopted home and set much of the foundation for Christianity and associated culture in Scotland as well. This is the first part of the "Celtic Christianity" topic.
Patrick's legacy of Celtic Christianity is brought to Scotland by the St. Colmcille. In this lecture, we'll discuss the conflicts with the Roman Church and the outcome with the Synod of Whitby.
The Picts have fired the imagination of historians and authors alike. Both the possible origins and the recorded history of these people will be discussed in this first installment of the "Birth of Scotland" topic.
Before Scotland was a country, it was a kingdom. And before that, it was Dalriada. The people and events that would lead to the establishment of the Kingdom of Scotland will be talked about in this part of the "Birth of Scotland" topic.
First as raiders and pillagers, the Norse Vikings eventually became settlers, traders, and builders in both Ireland and Scotland. This lecture will trace that development and the various attitudes to these new invaders in the British Isles.
After generations of the Norse settlement and cultural dominance in Ireland, a single man united the Emerald Island in defiance of the Viking legacy. The rise and fall of Brian Boru, Emperor of the Irish, is the subject for this lecture.
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