In the middle of 5th century BC, regions of western and central Europe around the rivers Rhine and Moselle, went through drastic changes. Settlements dispersed and the urban, cultural centers came to ruin, some definitely through violent means. The whole picture and the causes of these turbulent events is still muddled to this day. Like in large social collapses of the previous eras, overpopulation and poor climate conditions that also took place at the time probably led to famine and consequently to conflict and upheaval. People left desolate areas in search of more fertile and safe lands, a situation also noted by the ancient authors of that time. It also gave rise to a distinct military class and cultural phenomenon, liked together by similar archeological finds across Europe and beyond. Today, it is known as La Tene culture, with Celts being their main bearers. In order for a Celt to increase his status, his best chance was to take part or lead a successful raid. Raids enabled acts of valor and the acquisition of prestige goods. Spoils could then be redistributed, encouraging loyalty and arrival of more followers. Some of these groups could even become mercenaries, fighting for a patron in exchange for power and financial compensation. Many Mediterranean factions and rulers have hired Celtic mercenaries to fight for their cause. The accounts vary from praising their skill and courage. But there were only so many potential opportunities for raiding within a small region. This accelerated migration of entire populations when their homeland would become too constricting, overpopulated and was lacking raiding opportunities. The solution was to find new suitable grounds to settle and raid. The spread of La Tene culture across Europe is therefore firmly linked with the Celtic migrations between 5th and 3rd centuries BC. These migrations weren’t spontaneous, but could take years of preparations. One major route was across the Alpine passes into the Po valley and beyond and the other going east and south following the Danube river and beyond. Celts became major players and a concern to the Mediterranean civilizations. During the time of migrations, they even sacked the city of Rome, negotiated with Alexander the Great and almost breached the Holy site at Delphi. A group of Celts continued east and settled in Anatolia. These tribes are collectively known as Galatians. The spread of La Ten culture wasn’t just due to mass conquest of Celtic hordes. Celts didn’t eradicate the local populations of the regions they conquered and migrated to. A lot of small areas they never set foot into, at least not on a large scale. For example, many narrow valleys of alps and other mountainous regions didn’t fit the Celtic lifestyle and economy based on agriculture. They preferred to settle flat lowlands, instead of imposing hillforts of Hallstatt culture, though in some life did continue even into the Late Iron Age. Still small groups and individuals like artisans, mercenaries, and traders spread the La Ten Influence even in such remote areas, where the local communities adopted and adopted the Celtic technology and customs, while keeping some of their local characteristics. Where large-scale Celtic migrations did take place, they often melted together with the natives. The La Tene culture ended up stretching all the way from the British Isles, and Iberia in the west, to Anatolia in the south-east. The following period of the 2nd and 1st centuries BC was marked by the constructions of large urban settlements (oppida) encompassed within impressive ramparts. The Celts were more and more threatened by the expanding Roman state and Germanic peoples. These hostile encounters were highlighted by bloody battles, like Caesar’s famous conquest of Gaul. With pressures from all sides, Celtic Europe gave way to Roman Empire and their way of life, as well as ascending Germanic peoples. Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mnK9tpEvz9UgeVWuUh8fPFaoJ3QNLQOYiG7Q2jz1zZI/edit?usp=sharing I hope you learned something new in this video. If you want to see more history videos, feel free to like and subscribe... you know how YouTube works. ? Learn more about the history in the heart of Europe: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj-ONVAJL4HEcG3BnigOO6Zuh0iL28-mU Edited with Vegas Pro Edit 19 #history #europe #celts #ancienthistory ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKf3cVrSPQw