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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Object of the work-Prehistoric inhabitants of Britain-The Welsh bards on the
first settlement-The ancient Fauna of the island-Commencement of authentic
history-The Hyperborean legends-The travels of Pytheas in Britain-Fragments
of his writings-Marseilles in the age of Alexander the Great-Her commerce-
Rivalry with Carthage—Mineral riches of Spain—Extensive deposits of tin-Manu-
facture of bronze-The Phoenician commerce-The visit of Scipio to Marseilles-
Plans for interfering with trade of Carthage-Voyage of discovery proposed-The
scientific discoveries of Pytheas-He is chosen as leader of an expedition-His
writings-Course of the expedition-Gadeira -The Tagus-Erroneous notions of
Spanish geography-Havens of the Artabri-Situation of the Cassiterides on
Spanish coast-Description of the inhabitants-Visit of Publius Crassus-Theory
that the Cassiterides were the Scilly Islands discussed-Carthagenian discoveries—
The voyages of Hanno and Himilco-Course of Himilco's voyage-The tin-
districts-The Sargasso Sea-Teneriffe-Pytheas at Finisterre-Religious rites
of natives-The Pyrenees-The Ligurian shore-The Loire and Island of Amnis
-Barbarous ritual-The Morbihan and Celtic Islands-The College of Druidesses
-Voyage to Britain-Albion and Ierne-Pytheas travels in Britain-His obser-
vations-Erroneous measurements-Ancient ideas of the extent of the world-
State of Kent and Southern Britain-Wheat-cultivation-Metheglin and beer—
Agriculture-Mode of dressing corn-Pytheas did not visit Ireland, or the West
of Britain-Traditions of Stonehenge-British trade in tin-British coins from
Greek models-Districts where tin is found-The Island of Mictis or Ictis-Its
situation-Probably to be identified with Thanet-Visit of Posidonius-Descrip-
tion of tin-works-Portus Itius-Thanet formerly an island-St. Michael's Mount
formerly situated inland ..page
Visit of Pytheas to Germany and the Baltic-Criticism by Strabo-Summary of
route-Pliny's northern geography-Description of Germany by Tacitus--The
Gothones and Suiones-The Northern Ocean-The Amber Coast-The Sitones-
Obligations of Tacitus to Greek writers-Route of Pytheas-Passage to Celtica-
The Ostians or Ostiones-Their mode of living-The Cimbri-The Chauci-
North Germany-The Hercynian Forest-Its Fauna in the time of Pytheas-The
reindeer-The elk-The urus- -The aurochs-The country of the Cimbri-The
Guttones-The Amber Islands-Extent of commerce in amber-Voyage to Thule
-Discoveries in the Arctic Circle-Return to Britain-Return to Marseilles-
Character of Pytheas..........
..page 41
I
EARLY GREEK ROMANCES ABOUT BRITAIN.
Imaginary travels based on discoveries of Pytheas-Their confusion with records
of real travel-Beginning of Scepticism on the subject-Criticism by Dicæarchus
-The acceptance of Pytheas by Eratosthenes-Euhemerus the rationalist: his
account of Panchaia-Argument based on his fictions-Reply of Eratosthenes-
Criticisms by Polybius and Strabo-Geographical romances- -Plato's use of the
Carthaginian traditions-Atlantis-Origin of the stories of monstrous men-"The
wonders beyond Thule "-The epitome of Photius-Plot of the romance-Stories
of Thule-of the Germans and the Hercynian Forest-Stories about Britain-The
legend of Saturn and Briareus-Demetrius the Grammarian-Story preserved by
Procopius-Island of Brittia-The conductors of the dead-The communism of
Thule The King of the Hebrides-His legend-Modern variations-Evan the
Third and his law-Mediæval use of the legend—The romance of “The Hyper-
boreans"-Description by Lelewel-Stories of the Arctic Ocean-Britain described
as
"Elixoia"-The Circular Temple-The Boread kings-Solar legends-A de-
scription of the Hyperborean customs-The suicides of the old men-Historical
weight of the legend-Family-cliffs and family-clubs-Barbarous practices of
northern nations-Mention of other romances -"The Attacosi "—The description
of the Fortunate Islands by Jamblulus-His accounts of strange kinds of men—
Fictions rejected by Tacitus.... page 78
Recapitulation-Later Greek travellers-Artemidorus-Posidonius the Stoic-
His travels in Western Europe-Condition of the Celts in Britain-Difficulty of
framing general rules-Division of population into three stocks-British Gauls—
Insular Britons-Præ-Celtic tribes-Methods of finding their ancient settlements
-Antiquarian research-Philological method-Division of the Celtic languages-
Living forms in Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Man, Brittany-Dead forms: Welsh
of Strathclyde, Pictish, Cornish, Gaulish, Celtic of Thrace and Galatia, Celtiberian
-Originals from which the groups are derived-Lingua Britannica—Affinities of
Old Welsh-Whether more related to the Irish or the Gaulish-Theory of the
division of the Celtic stock, Gael and Cymry-Origin of the Theory-Similarity
of Welsh and Gaulish languages-The likeness explained-Arose from independent
causes-The languages not similar at the same time-Likeness between old forms
of Welsh and Irish-Welsh and Irish at one time united-Occupation of Britain
by one Celtic horde-Separation of Welsh and Irish languages-British language
distinct from Gaulish-Practical result of accepting the theory page 94
CHAPTER V.
THE GAULS IN BRITAIN.
Invasion by the King of Soissons-Older settlements-Kingdoms of Kent-
Forest of Anderida-The Trinobantes-Extent of their dominions-The Iceni-
The Catuvellaunian Confederacy-Civilization of the Gaulish settlers-Physical
appearance-Dress-Ornaments-Equipments in peace and in war-Scythed
chariots-Agricultural knowledge-Cattle-Domestic life...
..page 105
The population outside the Gaulish settlements-Insular Celts-Pre-Celtic tribes
-How classified-The Stone Age-Bronze Age-Iron Age-Evidence of sequence
in use of metals-Special evidence as to Britain-Remains of Palæolithic Age-
Britons of the Later Stone Age-Tombs of the kings-Cromlechs-Rites and
superstitions connected with them-Examples-Stories of Wayland's Smithy-
Trous des Nutons-Classification of barrows-Chambered and unchambered
varieties-Their contents-Physical characteristics of the Tomb-builders-The
nature of their society-Lake dwellings-Survival of the neolithic race-Legends
of Irish bards-The Firbolgs-Black Celts-The Silures-Their character and
habits-Commencement of Bronze Age-On the Continent-In Britain-Tribes
of Finnish type-Contents of their barrows-Implements-Ornaments-Their
agriculture-Nature of their society
page 124
Beginning of the Historical period-Theories of British Ethnology-Fair and
dark races-Iberian theory-Aquitanians-Diversity of Iberian customs-Basques
-Origin of Milesian legends-Mr. Skene's view as to the Silures-Ethnological
table-Survivals of the pre-Celtic stocks-Evidence from language and manners
-Comparison of Aryan customs-Local names-Personal names-Abnormal
words and constructions-Classical notices-Vitruvius, Tacitus, Herodian, Dion
Cassius-Caledonians and Picts-Rock-carvings and sculptured stones-Customs
of succession-Coronation-rites-Relics of barbarism in medieval Connaught and
page 151
Wales.........
CHAPTER VIII.
CUSTOMS OF INHERITANCE AND FAMILY RELIGION.
Customs foreign to Celtic and Teutonic usage-Anomalous laws of inheritance-
Borough-English-Maineté-Jüngsten-Recht-Various theories of their origin-
Their wide extent-Primitive forms in Wales and Shetland-In Cornwall and
Brittany-Distribution of Junior-right in England-South-eastern district-Danish
towns-Customs of Kent-Of Sussex-Neighbourhood of London-Manor of
Taunton-Deane-Distribution on the Continent-North-western France and
Flanders-"Theel-boors" of East Friesland-Germany-Bornholm-Russia—
Attempts to explain the custom-Comparison with early forms of primogeniture
- "Principals " or Préciput - Eldest daughter-The Law of the Sword-
Glanville-Bracton-Old primogeniture customs in the Pays de Caux-Ireland-
Norway-Athens-Religious origin-Priesthood of the eldest-Laws of Manu-
The domestic religion and its survivals-The fire-The remembrance-bowl-
Household spirits-Feast of All Souls-"Brande Erbe "-Theory of analogous
origin of the Junior-right--Priesthood of the youngest-Early extension of Altaic
peoples-Mongolian and Ugrian junior-right-Tchudic household superstitions-
The Mandrake
..page 183
Physical condition of the country-Misrepresented by Roman orators-State
under Agricola, the Plantagenets and Elizabeth-Absence of genuine early descrip-
tions-Sources of the statements of Bede and his school-Notice of British
pearl-fisheries-Comparison of the accounts of Ireland-The picture of Britain
by Gildas-True sources of information-Special records-Allusions of writers on
general history-Giraldus, Aneurin, Pliny-The Celtic races of Northern and
Western Britain-Little affected by the English invasions-The evidence from
language of uncertain value-The tribes of the South-West-Their superior culture
-Their foreign trade-Description of their ships-The tribes of the West of low
civilization and mixed blood-The Silures-The Dobuni of the Cotswolds-
The Cornavians-The Ordovices of North Wales-Their mixed descent-The
Central Tribes-The name "Coritavi" applied to several distinct races-Notices
by Strabo and Cæsar -The ruder tribes migratory-The confederated tribes of the
North-Their success in war-The story of Queen Cartismandua-Rules a
Brigantian tribe-Commands the Brigantian army-The Brigantians compared with
the Irish by Tacitus-Their life at home and in the field....
•page 222
CHAPTER X.
RELIGION.
Religion of the British tribes-Its influence on the literature of romance-
Theories about Druidism-The Welsh Triads-Their date and authority-Legend
of Hugh the Mighty-Mythological poems of the bards-Taliesin-Nature of the
poems written under his name— -Religion of the Gauls-Its nature-The greater
gods-Dis Pater-The mode of reckoning by nights-The Gaulish Mercury and Minerva-The worship of Belenus-Adoration of plants-Esus-Teutates-
Camulus-Taranis-Goddesses and helpmates of gods- Local deities-The Mothers
- Giants-Inferior gods-Origin of Druidism-Druidism in Britain-Scottish and
Irish Druids-The nature of their ceremonies-Their magic-Position of the Druids
in Gaul-Their philosophy-Human sacrifices-Relics of the practice-Its traces
in Britain and Ireland-Slaughter of hostages-Sacrifices for stability of buildings
-Doctrines of the Druids-Their astronomy-Metempsychosis-Disappearance of
Druidism-From the Roman provinces-From Ireland and Scotland-Other
remains of British religions-How preserved-In legends of saints-In romance-
General character of the religion-Nature of the idols-Superstitions about natural
phenomena — Mirage—Sunset — Mineral springs-Laughing wells-Worship of
elements-The Irish gods-The D: gda-Moon-worship-Degradation of British
gods-Their appearance as kings and chiefs-In the fabulous history-In the heroic
songs-Principal families of gods-Children of Don-of Nudd-of Lir-Legends
of Cordelia-Bran the Blessed-Manannan Mac Lir-Ritual-Relics of Sun-
worship-of fire-worship-Rustic sacrifices-Offerings of animals to saints-Sacred
animals-Prohibition of certain kinds of food-Connected with claims of descent
from animals-Origin of these superstitions
..page 248
Character of the Roman Conquest-The century of peace after Cæsar's invasion
-Increase of commerce with Gaul-Fresh settlements of Gauls in Britain-The
Artrebates-The Belgæ-The Parisii-Prosperity of the native states-Metallurgy-
List of exports-End of the peace—The capture of Camulodunum-The triumph
of Claudius-Massacre of the captives-Enrolment of British regiments-Conquest
of the Southern Districts-The colony of Camulodunum-Tyrannical measures-
Revolt of the Iceni-Victory of Paullinus-The province constituted-Agricola's
beneficial government-The visit of Hadrian-The four legions-Description of
Caerleon-Growth of towns-Hadrian's Wall-Description of its remains—The
Wall of Antoninus-Tablets erected by the soldiers-Their worship and superstitions
-The expedition of Severus-Death of the Emperor at York-The revolt of
Carausius-Influence of the Franks-Diocletian's scheme of government-Reigns
of Constantius and Constantine the Great-A new system of administration-The
military roads-Whether identical with the medieval highways-Course of Watling
Street-The Roman system of communications-Three lines from north to south-
Transverse routes in the North-Connections with roads in the South and West-
The district of the Saxon Shore-Course of the Ikenild Way-The routes in the
Antonine Itinerary-The Peutingerian Table-The effect on Britain of the new
constitution-Increase of taxation-Establishment of Christianity in Briain-
Gradual decay of paganism-Pantheistic religions-State of the frontiers---The
Picts and Scots-The Franks and Saxons-Victories of Theodosius-The Revolt
of Maximus-The successes of Stilicho-Usurpation of Constantine-The treason
of Gerontius-The independence of Britain ..page 302
Troubles of the independent Britons-Fresh invasions of Picts and Scots-The
Saxon Pirates-The Halleluia Victory-The appeal to Aetius-Beginnings of the
English Conquest-Character of the authorities-Early Welsh poems-Nennius-
Romances of Arthur-The history of Gildas-Its dramatic nature-Its imitation of the
Vulgate The story of Vortigern-His war with the mercenaries-The victory of
Ambrosius-The Mons Badonicus-English accounts of the Conquest-The Anglo-
Saxon Chronicle-Influence of ancient ballads-Description of the invasion-The
three kindreds-Their continental home-Relative positions of Saxons Angles and
Jutes-Theories as to other invading tribes-The Frisians-Argument from local
names-The Conquest of Kent-Welsh traditions-Horsa's Tomb-Legends of
Hengist The Conquest of Sussex-Destruction of Anderida-Fate of the Roman
towns-Rise of the House of Cerdic-Conquest of Wessex--Victories of Cerdic
and Cynric-The fate of Ceaulin-Genealogies of the Kings-The Conquest of
Northumbria-Reign of Ida-Welsh traditions-Reign of Ælle—Of Edwin-Of
Æthelfrith-General description of the conquest-Ancient poems-The sea-kings
described by Sidonius—Their ships and crews--The lord and his companions—
Gradual degradation of the peasantry-Life in free townships-Co-operative hus-
bandry-Community of ownership-Village customs-Heathen survivals-Festivals
-Sacrifices-Character of English paganism-The gradual conversion of the English
kingdoms.
page 358