Celtic Women in Context: Comparative Perspectives on Stereotypes and Gender Roles of Ancient Women

This dissertation focuses on the stories and stereotypes of Celtic women of antiquity. Evidence of the behaviour and roles of these women is sparse, and when they are mentioned, their true nature has the potential to be shrouded in bias, leading to a possible misrepresentation. Classical authors, such as Tacitus, Dio and Caesar had the propensity to write about the Celts through a kaleidoscopic lens that featured xenophobia, sexism, and propaganda, creating an entertaining but often fragmentary image. This study looks at whether these perspectives have altered the way Celtic women have been portrayed over time. The stories of lesser known historical women such as Camma, Chiomara and Eponina are explored alongside the more popular accounts of Boudica and Cartimandua. These women are compared to their Roman and Greek, female counterparts to discover if there is any truth to the stereotype that suggests Celtic women had more freedom and were equal to their male kin in both strength and society. There is a glamorisation of the Celts, and by proxy, Celtic women. This research aims to tend to their truth as much as possible, to show how ‘one stereotype cannot fit all’; that these women are nuanced and that we only disrespect them when we mould them to fit our own ideals

Name dc:type.qualificationname

ma

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Free, Danielle

• DA Prydain Fawr
• HQ Y teulu. Priodas. Benyw.

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:3317