A class of priests and scholars in ancient Celtic societies, The druids were particularly in Iron Age and Roman-era Britain and Gaul. They played a significant role in the religious, political, and social life of these societies, and their influence can still be seen in modern Celtic cultures.
The druids were known for their knowledge of the natural world, including the study of astronomy, mathematics, and medicine. They were also skilled in divination, and were often consulted for guidance on important matters such as tribal conflicts and agricultural practices. They were also responsible for the preservation of traditional customs, laws, and oral history.
Considered to be a powerful and respected class in Celtic society, druids were often involved in political decision making. They were also known for their role in religious rituals, including human and animal sacrifices, which were believed to appease the gods and ensure the fertility of the land.
The druids were known to be educators and philosophers, as well as religious leaders. They were also known to be keepers of secret knowledge and wisdom that was passed down through generations. They were known for their eloquence, and for their ability to compose and recite long poems, hymns and prayers.
Druids were suppressed by the Roman Empire during its conquest of Gaul and Britain. Julius Caesar wrote that the druids were banned and that many were killed in Gaul in the 1st century BCE. Despite the Roman suppression, the druidic tradition continued in the form of bardic schools, which were focused on the preservation of traditional poetry, music, and history.