All Flashcards
What was the significance of the Druids in Gallic society?
They were religious leaders, judges, and educators, holding significant influence over moral and legal matters.
Why were Druids exempt from war and taxes?
To allow them to focus on their religious, judicial, and educational duties without the burdens of military service or financial obligations.
Why did the Druids not commit their teachings to writing?
To strengthen memory and maintain the exclusivity and sacredness of their knowledge.
What was the Gallic belief about the soul and its impact?
They believed souls were immortal and passed from one body to another, reducing the fear of death and encouraging bravery.
What role did human sacrifice play in Gallic religious practices?
It was a practice used during serious illnesses or dangers to appease the gods, believing a life must be given for a life.
Why were criminals preferred for sacrifices?
They were considered a more suitable offering, but innocents were used when necessary to fulfill the sacrificial requirement.
What does Caesar say about the power dynamics between nobles and commoners?
Nobles had absolute power over commoners, similar to masters over slaves, due to debt or oppression.
What was the significance of the annual gathering of Druids in Carnutes?
It served as a central location for education, discussion, and decision-making among the Druids.
What does Caesar say about the origin of Druidism?
Caesar notes that Druidism was believed to have originated in Britain, and students traveled there to study.
How did wealth and influence affect the Knights?
Wealth and influence determined the number of followers a knight had, increasing their military strength and power.
What is the meaning of 'Nobiles'?
Nobles; the ruling class in Gaul, involved in governance.
What is the meaning of 'Plebes'?
Commoners; the lower class in Gaul, with little to no political power.
What is the meaning of 'Druides'?
Druids; religious leaders, judges, and educators in Gallic society.
What is the meaning of 'Equites'?
Knights; warriors, wealthy, and powerful members of Gallic society.
Define 'vassals' in the context of Gallic society.
Commoners who become dependent on nobles due to debt, taxes, or oppression, similar to serfs.
What does 'excommunication from religious rites' mean?
Being banned from participating in religious ceremonies and practices, a severe punishment imposed by the Druids.
What is the role of 'Druides' in Gallic society?
Religious leaders, judges, and educators.
What is the role of 'Equites' in Gallic society?
Warriors, wealthy, and powerful members of Gallic society.
What is the meaning of 'appease' in the context of religious practices?
To pacify or satisfy a deity through offerings or sacrifices.
What does 'supreme authority' mean in the context of Druid leadership?
The highest level of power and decision-making ability held by the leader of the Druids.
What is the meaning of 'Nobiles'?
Nobles; the ruling class in Gaul, involved in governance.
What is the meaning of 'Plebes'?
Commoners; the lower class in Gaul, with little to no political power.
What is the meaning of 'Druides'?
Druids; religious leaders, judges, and educators in Gallic society.
What is the meaning of 'Equites'?
Knights; warriors, wealthy, and powerful members of Gallic society.
Define 'vassals' in the context of Gallic society.
Commoners who become dependent on nobles due to debt, taxes, or oppression, similar to servants.
What does 'excommunication from religious rites' mean?
Being excluded from participating in religious ceremonies and practices, a form of punishment.
What is the role of 'sacrifices' in Gallic religious practices?
Offerings, sometimes human, made to appease the gods, especially during serious illnesses or dangers.
What is the meaning of 'supreme authority' in the context of Druidic leadership?
The highest level of power and decision-making ability held by the leader of the Druids.
What is the meaning of 'appease the gods'?
To pacify or satisfy the gods through offerings or sacrifices.
What does 'immortal souls' mean in the context of Druidic beliefs?
Souls that live forever and pass from one body to another after death.