History of Ireland

The history of Ireland begins between 8000 and 7000 BC, when the first humans inhabited Ireland. This was followed by a migration of Celtic-speaking people between 700 and 500 BC and Viking settlers in the ninth century AD. Until the fifteenth century Ireland was a patch-work of competing kingdoms and over-kingdoms. English involvement in Ireland began with the arrival of the Normans in the twelfth century, but England did not have full control until the whole island had been conquered in 1653.

Early history: 8000 BC–AD 400

What little is known of pre-Christian Ireland comes from a few references in Roman writings, Irish poetry and myth, and archaeology. The earliest inhabitants of Ireland, people of a mid-Stone Age, or Mesolithic, culture, arrived sometime after 8000 BC, when the climate had become more hospitable following the retreat of the polar icecaps. About three or four millennia later, agriculture was introduced from the continent, leading to the establishment of a high Neolithic culture, characterised by the appearance of huge stone monuments, many of them astronomically aligned (most notably, Newgrange). This culture apparently prospered, and the island became more densely populated. The Bronze Age, which began around 2500 BC, saw the production of elaborate gold and bronze ornaments and weapons.

Related Topics:
Christian - Roman - Irish poetry - Stone Age - Mesolithic - Neolithic - Newgrange - Bronze Age - 2500 BC

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The Iron Age in Ireland began about 600 BC. By the historic period (AD 431 onwards) the main over-kingdoms of In Tuisceart, Airgialla, Ulaid, Mide, Laigin, Mumhain, Cóiced Ol nEchmacht began to emerge (see Kingdoms of ancient Ireland). Within these five or more kingdoms, despite constant strife, a rich culture flourished. The society of these kingdoms was dominated by druids: priests who served as educators, physicians, poets, diviners, and keepers of the laws and histories.

Related Topics:
Iron Age - 600 BC - 431 - Airgialla - Ulaid - Mide - Laigin - Cóiced Ol nEchmacht - Kingdoms of ancient Ireland - Druids

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Historians developed the concept from the 17th century onwards that the language spoken by these people could be called the "Goidelic languages" branch of the "Celtic languages", and this was explained as a result of invasions of "Celts". Late 20th century research indicated that the language and culture developed gradually and continuously, and in Ireland no archaeological evidence was found for large intrusive groups of Celtic immigrants. The theory that the native Late Bronze Age inhabitants gradually absorbed influences to create "Celtic" culture has since been supported by recent genetic research. {{fn|1}}.

Related Topics:
17th century - Goidelic languages - Celtic languages - Celt - 20th century

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The Romans referred to Ireland as Hibernia. Ptolemy in AD 100 records Ireland's geography and tribes. Ireland was never formally a part of the Roman Empire but Roman influence was often projected well beyond formal borders. Tacitus writes that an Irish tribal chieftain was with Agricola in Britain and would return to seize power in Ireland. Juvenal tells us that Roman "arms had been taken beyond the shores of Ireland'. If Rome, or an ally, did invade, they didn't leave very much behind. The exact relationship between Rome and the tribes of Hibernia is unclear.

Related Topics:
Hibernia - Ptolemy - AD 100 - Roman Empire - Tacitus - Agricola - Britain - Juvenal

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