“The central living area was a room with various uses, including sleeping, cooking, craftwork and storage”
HISTORY
What was inside a Celtic roundhouse? HIW reveals how these iconic buildings were built and used Contrary to many historical sources, the Celtic people were – in many ways – a very civilised and advanced group of tribal societies. Despite their barbarous reputation in warfare, in a domestic setting they were far from primitive, employing many farming, construction and trade practices that were cutting edge for the time. Perhaps one of the most notable examples of their forward-thinking culture can be seen in their distinctive dwellings. Celts typically lived in roundhouses, which were – as the name suggests – circular. These houses were cone shaped and able to accommodate a large number of occupants. The roundhouses were built out of wood and – later in the civilisation’s development – stone, with conical thatched roofs and wattle walls standard elements. These structures were generally accessed through a single entrance, which extended out from the main structure via a porch-style chamber. This design feature provided a degree of insulation between the main living space and the worst of any cold wind and rain, with usually only sheets/animal hides used to serve as a front door. The central living area was a single room with various uses, including sleeping, cooking, craftwork and storage. If the tribe was particularly wealthy, then a series of other auxiliary buildings would be used to house their livestock – the Celts commonly would keep sheep, pigs and cattle – as well as sizable crop yields after the harvest; indeed, Celts were highly skilled farmers all round. Today, many Celtic roundhouses can still be found throughout Europe and beyond, though for the most part they’re in a ruinous state. Many modern simulations, however, have been made using traditional Celtic construction materials and techniques, with many of these open for visits by the public.
078 | How It Works
Visit a Celtic home How were these circular dwellings used day to day?
Weaponry As the primary tools for both hunting and protecting the dwelling and surrounding land, weapons and shields were kept readily to hand in the Celtic home.
Bed Straw and hay mattresses were used to sleep on, covered with a mix of animal skins and fabric sheets.
Hunting Men and women hunted animals for consumption on a daily basis and occasionally as sport. Spears, bows and arrows and primitive hunting traps were all regularly used.
Cart Hand or animal-drawn carts were used to move materials, produce and tools between the roundhouse and nearby farms and markets, etc.
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