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    Classical References to Druids in Gaul and Britain
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    Author: * Vortigern Aedui - 2 Posts on this thread out of 2,423 Posts sitewide.
    Date: Apr 2, 2008 - 14:08

    I made this table a few years back showing all classical references of Druids in both Britain and Gaul. Not much insight on the discussion, but it does shed some light on how classical authors looked at Druids.

    Author Dates Text Themes
    Aristotle (attrib.) 384-332 B.C. The Magikos, cited by Diogenes Laeterius (A.D. 225-250)Vitae 1.1 Druids are barbarian philosophers of the Celts and Galatai
    Sotion (attrib.) 2nd cntury B.C. Succession of Philosophers 23, cited by Diogenes Laertius (A.D. 225-250)Vitae 1.1 Druids are barbarian philosophers of the Celts and Galatai
    Polyhistor c. 105-35 B.C. Cyril of Alexander (Archbishop A.D. 412-444)Contra Julianum 4 Polyhistor numbered the druids of Gaul among the barbarian philosophers
    Cicero 106-43 B.C. De Divinatione 1.90 Divination practiced by the druids, including Diviciacus, and Aeduan contemperary of Cicero.
    Julius Caesar 100-44 B.C. De Bello Gallico 6.13-14

    De Bello Gallico 6.16.1-3

    De Bello Gallico 6.18.1

    Function of Druids

    Druids officiate at sacrifices

    Druidic tradition that the Gauls are descended from Dis.
    Diodorus Siculus c. 100 B.c. - Biblioteke 5.31.2-5 Bards/druids/Manteis
    Timagenes 80/75 B.C.-end 1st century B.C. cited by Amm. Marc. 15.9.4-8 (Ammianus Marcellinus A.D. 330-c. 391) Bards/druids/Euhagis
    Strabo 63/3 B.C.-c. A.D. 21 Geographia 4.4.4 Bards/druids/Ouateis
    Pliny A.D. 23/4-79 Historia Naturalis 16.249

    Historia Naturalis 20.103-4

    Historia Naturalis 29.52



    Historia Naturalis30.4



    Druid mistletoe cutting ceremony.

    Druid's use of plants.

    The druid's egg, anguinum. A Vocontian put to death by Claudius for concealing one.

    Tiberius issued decree against druids, diviners, and physicians. The druids craft has crossed the Ocean.
    Lucan A.D. 39-65 Pharsalia 1.450-8 Druids inhabit groves. They profess knowledge of the gods/soul.
    Mela fl. c. A.D. 43 De Chorographia 3.2.18-19 Druidic knowledge of heavens. They instruct the nobles and meet secretly in caves or groves.
    Tacitus A.D. 56/7-120/123 Annals 14.30

    Histories 4.54
    Druids curse troops during Suetonius' attack on Mona.

    Druids prophecy end of Empire during Civilis revolt.
    Dio Chrysostom A.D. 40-112 Orationes 49 Celtic druids concern themselves with divination and wisdom.
    Clement of Alexandria c. A.D. 150-212 Stromata 6, 3.33.2 Druids are among the barbarian philosophers.
    Suetonius Early 2nd century A.D. Claudius 25 Claudius suppressed the Druidic religion, which had been forbidden to Roman citizens by Augustus.
    Hippolytus c. A.D. 170-236 Philosophumena 1.25 Celtic druids as 'Pythagorean' philosophers, seers, and magicians.
    Diogenes Laertius fl. A.D. 225-250 Vitae 1.1 (see Aristotle, above)

    Vitae 1.5
    See above.

    Druids pronounce by means of riddles and dark sayings.
    Lampridius 3rd century A.D. Scriptores Historiae Augustae Alexander Severus 60.6 A female Gallic druid prophesied the defeat of Severus.
    Vopiscus 3rd century A.D. Scriptores Historiae Augustae Aurelian 44.4


    Scriptores Historiae Augustae Numeranius 14
    Aureleian asked female druids in Gaul if the imperial power would remain with his descendents.


    A female druid prophesied Diocletian would be Emperor.
    Ausonius 4th century A.D. Commem. Prof.4.7.10



    Commem. Prof. 10.22.30
    Attius Patera descended from the druids.



    Phoebicus descended from the druids of Bordeaux.


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