The history and lasting influence of the Celts, from their origins in eastern Europe through the upheaval of the early middle ages to twilight and decline in the west. The Celts were one of the most important population groups to spread across the ancient European continent. From 800BC to 1050AD their story is one of expanding power and influence followed by contraction and near extinction. Drawing on all possible sources of evidence, from archaeological remains of ancient Greece and Rome to surviving cultural influences, Daithi O hOgain outlines the history of the people known as Celts. He follows the evolution oftheir culture as it gained strength on its two-thousand-year passage through Europe. The influence of the Celts is far more widespread than its fragmented survival in the outer fringes of western Europe indicates; this onceimportant culture is still a vital component of European civilisation and heritage, from east to west. In tracing the course of the history of the Celts, O hOgain shows how far-reaching their influence has been. Daithi OhOgain is Associate Professor of Irish Folklore at University College Dublin. A recognised authority on Celtic folklore and history, he has lectured widely and contributed to many radio and TV programmes on Irish literature and cultural history. He is the author of The Sacred Isle: Pre-Christian Religion in Ireland.