Here is a scholarly report on a more complex narrative about the relative roles and power of men and women in society. This one comes from Celtic Iron Age communities.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/15/science/celtic-women-dna.html?smid=url-share

This link is not behind a paywall.

I have previously recommended Peter Tremayne as an author I enjoy. He has written the "Sister Fidelma" series, now at 30+ volumes. These stories take place mostly in 7th century Ireland which shares a Celtic culture and belief system with other predominantly Celtic societies. Woven into these stories is information about the role and authority of women during this time period. While Sister Fidelma is a purely ficitonal character, Peter Tremayne is the nom de plume of Peter Berresford Ellis who is a noted British historian as well. His fictional works are set in an accurately rendered historical setting.

So, if it could be done in the past, maybe the arc will swing again!

Photo is of the coast of Maine.

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4 Comments

  1. That’s a fascinating read Jane thanks for sharing. It’s interesting that the new scientific data points to matriarchy among the Celts. Who would have thought? I do think the Romans (and their heavy-handed patriarchy) likely disrupted these societies when they invaded Britain. PS thank you for the Sister Fidelma recommendation. I’ll need to look that one up.

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  2. We can only hope, at this point Jane. Thanks for the link to the article and the recommendation. I will definitely look into the Sister Fidelma books – 30 books is wonderful in the sense that they can be read without any need to wait for a new release! But even better yet is that the author is a noted British historian. I appreciate facts, accuracy and good research.

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