Ancient history

La Tene | archaeological site, switzerland

La Tene (French:The Shallows), archaeological site at the eastern end of the Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland, whose name was extended to include the Late Iron Age Culture of the European Celts to mark . The culture of La Tène originated in the mid-5th century v . Ch. , as the Celts used Greek and Etruscan Southern influences Alps came into contact . This culture went through several phases and regional differences over the next four centuries, when the Celts in most parts Northern Europe and on the British Isles spread. However, it ended in the middle of the 1st century v . Ch. when most Celts lost their independence to Rome.

In the first period, La Tène A (450–400 / 390 v. ), Hit the Celtic tradition pioneered Greco-Etruscan imports and ideas. Although it is a short period of time, it seems to have been long enough to create the typical La Tène style, characterized by S-shapes, spirals and circular patterns are applied symmetrically to each ornament.

In the period of La Tène B (400 / 390– approx. 300 v . Ch. ) Was the unity of La Tène A dissolved by the Celtic migrations. However, certain features remained popular throughout the region, such as long iron swords, lance heads, heavy knives, and burial by shallow inhumations in coffins or by covering the body with cairns.

In La Tene C ( approx. 300– approx. 100 v . Ch. ) Sat the various branches of Phase B continued, but there was a cultural blending between the Aborigines and the Celtic newcomers. The main metal types included iron swords with ornate scabbards and heart shapes, warriors' iron chains as sword belt , heavy spearheads with wide Blade , wooden shields with iron bosses and pendants, plus iron shears and torquers.

During the La Tène D period ( approx. 100–50 / 15 v . Ch. ) Was the Celtic power ended by constant pressure from German invaders from the north and by the Roman Empire from the south. Settlements of this period have revealed typical peasant implements:iron sickles, scythes, axes, saws, ploughshares and hammers, largely resulting from contact with Roman civilization. Silver Coins in Greek and Roman Prototypes , are more common than in La Tène C when they began, and were a valuable source for knowledge of Celtic personal names.