Celtic Women: The Cornerstones of Social Structure in Iron Age Britain

New genetic research reveals that women were central to Celtic social networks, controlling land and property in pre-Roman Britain.

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Science

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Summary

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A groundbreaking genetic study from a late Iron Age cemetery in Dorset has unveiled that women were the backbone of social connections in Celtic society. Two-thirds of individuals analyzed shared a maternal lineage, indicating that women remained in their communities while men moved in after marriage. This matrilocality pattern suggests stronger female control over land and social networks, fundamentally challenging previous assumptions about gender roles in historical contexts. The findings highlight the notable influence women held in Celtic society prior to the Roman invasion, suggesting a more egalitarian social structure than often perceived in ancient times.

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From the Left

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by left-leaning sources.

Research suggests historical societies in Britain, particularly Celtic communities, were matrilocal, challenging the dominant narrative of patrilocality.
The findings highlight the significant roles and influence of women in past societies, countering stereotypes of limited agency.
Archaeological evidence and genetic data suggest that women's social and political empowerment was more prevalent than traditionally believed.

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Highlights (4)

Excerpts from the underlying articles that best reflect each outlet's unique perspective on this story.

The findings reveal that women played a pivotal role in the social structures of Celtic society, evidencing a matrilocal pattern that contrasts sharply with patterns observed in other ancient societies.
Ancient DNA suggests women were heart of social networks in Celtic society in Britain
ABC News
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
The remarkable genetic evidence unearthed not only reshapes our understanding of female social dynamics in Celtic society but also positions it as surprisingly egalitarian compared to the hierarchical structures of the Roman world.
Ancient DNA suggests women were at the heart of social networks in Celtic society in Britain
Associated Press
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The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
The findings from the DNA analysis challenge the long-held belief that most societies were patrilocal, suggesting instead that in certain periods, men moved to women's families, underscoring the significant influence and power women held in ancient Celtic communities.
Iron age men left home to join wives’ families, DNA study suggests
The Guardian
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Leans Left
This groundbreaking research reveals a significant and often overlooked aspect of ancient Celtic society in Britain, where women were not only recognized as key influences but also as foundational figures in their communities, challenging long-standing narratives about gender roles in history.
Land and wealth in Celtic Britain centred on women - DNA analysis
BBC News
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center