ABC News logo
Associated Press logo
The Guardian logo
4 articles
·10M

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.

Subscribe to unlock this story

We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!

Get Started

Have an account? Sign in

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

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.

Written by AI using shared reports from
4 articles
.

Report issue

Pano Newsletter

Read both sides in 5 minutes each day

Analysis

Compare how each side frames the story — including which facts they emphasize or leave out.

Analysis unavailable for this viewpoint.

Articles (4)

Compare how different news outlets are covering this story.

History

See how this story has evolved over time.

  • This story does not have any previous versions.