Caesar and the Druids

1. How did the Druids differ from the military class?

The Druids differed from the military class in that they did not go to war, nor paid tribute together with the rest. They had an exemption from military service and a dispensation in all matters, however many chose this profession of their own accord or were sent to it by their parents and relations.

1. How long did they study?

The Druids studied for many years and some as long as twenty years.

1. Why did they write in Greek?

The Druids chose to write in Greek because it wasn’t their desire that their doctrines be divulged among the masses, and they did not want that those learning devote less time memorizing relying on writing as this, they believed, led to relaxing their diligence in learning thoroughly.

1. What was their belief about souls?

The Druids believed that souls did not become extinct, but passed after death from one body to another and thus they thought that men would be more excited to valour and the fear of death be disregarded.

1. What did they teach the young?

The Druids taught their youth many things respecting the stars and their motion, respecting the extent of the world and the earth, the nature of things, the power and the majesty of the immortal gods.