Celtic Origins and Geographical Distribution
There are a number of theories on how the Celtic culture and language spread all over the Indo-European countries. Early historical research claims that the Celtic proto-language, which is the raw language of the Celts, may have come from the Pontic-Caspian steppes. The use of Celtic language was only put in historical records somewhere between 500 and 600 BC. During this time the Celtic language may have been already divided into several language groups. This may also be the same time when the language spread through Central Europe including the countries of Ireland, Britain and Iberian Peninsula.
The use of Celtic language probably reached Britain, Ibeira and Ireland by the early 1st millennium, during 500 BC. Celtic language, over the years, then transformed into different versions, including the Goidelic, Celtiberian and Brythonic Celtic languages.
The Celtic culture itself may possibly have been from Central Europe's culture during the late Bronze Age, this is specifically referred to as the Urnfield culture. It is characterized by a distinct culture of the Indo-European groups during that time. It is believed that even ironworks, which is one of the evident contributions of the Celts, was associated with The Hallstatt culture of the Urnfields.
Although there are a number of theories as to where the Celtic culture and language originate, there is no denying the fact that Celts have been a great influence to a lot of nations and these nations are proudly honing such culture as the core of their nationalistic stand.
Original Authors:
Jennifer Tumanda
Edit Update Authors: RPN
Updated On: 25/01/2007
