The guiding principle of the Linz Celtology Meeting 2005 (Linzer
Keltologentagung 2005) was that Celtology should not be considered an
extension of Indo-European Studies, nor a discipline that should be
classified under Prehistoric and Early History. To the greatest extent
possible, research on the Celts should apply the true meanings of
"integrated" and "interdisciplinary", thus encompassing the most
important and the largest number of Celtic cultural manifestations
possible. Not only those ethnic groups that, in ancient times, were
considered Celts or belonging to the Celts should be taken into account,
but also those that have been described as (Island) Celts since the
early modern period, namely those from the British Isles, Ireland and
Brittany, as based on their common original language. Thus the volume
deals with evidence and problems concerning archaeology, history,
linguistics, literature and the history of religions, although
methodological questions and more general questions of ethno-genesis,
gender, the reception of the Celts, etc. are also included. In order to
create an all-around picture of the Celts, forty-eight internationally
known German-speaking representatives of the Celtic scientific
community, from Russia to Ireland, have submitted their work. A broad
picture of Celtology as based on cultural studies is thereby presented.
Then again, there are also clashing and contradictory research results,
revealing Celtology to be a very lively field. Thus the anthology, with
its broad and solidly discussed range of topics, should speak to many
interested parties. It will soon "tempt" more questions and will become
an essential handbook for all those interested in research on the Celts.
