Glossary
Druides
The religious leaders, judges, and educators in Gallic society, holding immense authority and exempt from war and taxes.
Example:
The Druides would gather annually in the territory of the Carnutes to settle disputes and educate new initiates in their ancient traditions.
Equites
The knightly class in Gallic society, primarily warriors who gained influence and power through their military strength and the number of followers they commanded.
Example:
Before Caesar's arrival, a prominent Equites would often lead his personal retinue into skirmishes, increasing his wealth and prestige through conquest.
Excommunication (from religious rites)
A severe punishment imposed by the Druids, where an individual is banned from participating in religious ceremonies and is considered an outcast, losing all social standing.
Example:
To defy a Druidic ruling meant facing excommunication from religious rites, a fate worse than death for many Gauls, as it cut them off from divine favor and community.
Human sacrifice (Gallic practice)
A religious practice among the Gauls, often performed for serious illnesses or dangers, where a human life was offered to appease the gods, typically officiated by Druids.
Example:
In times of great peril, the Gauls would resort to human sacrifice, believing that only a life given could avert divine wrath and ensure their survival.
Immortality of souls (Druid belief)
A core Druidic belief that souls are immortal and pass from one body to another after death, encouraging bravery by reducing the fear of dying.
Example:
The Gallic warrior, believing in the immortality of souls, charged fearlessly into battle, certain that his spirit would simply find a new vessel.
Nobiles
The noble class in Gallic society, holding significant power and involved in governance.
Example:
A powerful Gallic Nobiles might command a large number of vassals and lead his tribe in battle against rival clans.
Plebes
The commoners in Gallic society, who had no political power and were often treated similarly to slaves, frequently becoming vassals due to debt or oppression.
Example:
Many Plebes found themselves indebted to the local chieftain, effectively becoming his servants and losing their independence.
Wicker figures (for sacrifice)
Large effigies made of wicker, used by the Gauls in their sacrificial rites, filled with living people (preferably criminals, but sometimes innocents) and then burned.
Example:
The chilling sight of immense wicker figures being prepared for the annual sacrifice was a stark reminder of the Gauls' fervent and often brutal religious devotion.