Ralph Haeussler

To most of us, Celtic culture is at once distinctive and enigmatic. Though we may acknowledge the Celtic heritage of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Spain (Galicia) and France (Brittany), and be familiar with the mythology and literature that has given us Arthurian legend and all manner of boastful gods, High Kings, wilful Queens, noble warriors, fairies, goblins and wizards, few of us are aware that the origins of Celtic people lie in Austria, or that the many tribes that made up this very broad designation have a history that spans much further afield, to ancient Greece and Egypt. This fascinating new book, written by Martin Dougherty and with a foreword by Prof Ralph Haussler, covers the history that has fed the legends: the origins, migrations, allegiances, society, culture, myths and literature of the Celts, from the ‘Hallstatt Era’ beginning in 1200 BCE to the Gaels of western Scotland and northeastern Ireland and eventual Christianization. Flame Tree Collector's Editions present the foundations of speculative fiction: authors, myths, tales and history without which the imaginative literature of the twentieth century would not exist, bringing the best, most influential and most fascinating works into a striking and collectable library. Each book features a new Introduction and a Glossary of Terms or lists of Ancient Leaders.

Few empires had such an impact on the conquered peoples as did the Roman empire, creating social, economic, and cultural changes that erased long-standing differences in material culture, languages, cults, rituals and identities. But even Rome could not create a single unified culture. Individual decisions introduced changes in material culture, identity, and behavior, creating local cultures within the global world of the Roman empire that were neither Roman nor native. The author uses Northwest Italy as an exemplary case as it went from a marginal zone to one of the most flourishing and strongly urbanized regions of Italy, while developing a unique regional culture. This volume will appeal to researchers interested in the Roman Empire, as well as those interested in individual and cultural identity in the past.

Few empires had such an impact on the conquered peoples as did the Roman empire, creating social, economic, and cultural changes that erased long-standing differences in material culture, languages, cults, rituals and identities. But even Rome could not create a single unified culture. Individual decisions introduced changes in material culture, identity, and behavior, creating local cultures within the global world of the Roman empire that were neither Roman nor native. The author uses Northwest Italy as an exemplary case as it went from a marginal zone to one of the most flourishing and strongly urbanized regions of Italy, while developing a unique regional culture. This volume will appeal to researchers interested in the Roman Empire, as well as those interested in individual and cultural identity in the past.