Just Finished Reading: Blood of the Celts – The New Ancestral Story by Jean Manco (FP: 2015) [205pp] 

Originally thinking that both sides of my family could trace their roots back to Ireland, I’ve long considered myself a Celt and have equally long been interested in all things Celtic. I was gratified (if a little confused) by the DNA confirmation that I am indeed 94% Celtic with a 62-32% Irish-Scottish split. The confusion comes from the Scottish angle as I have yet to find any Scottish ancestors in any branch of my family tree. This interesting and intriguing book provides a hint of a possible answer to that mystery. 

Delving (naturally) into DEEP European history, the author looks at the origin of the Celts highlighted by burial style, grave objects and in particular pottery. Changes in these styles across Europe give clear evidence of the spread of Celtic culture and trade across the Continent, Scandinavia and, of course, the British Isles including Ireland. With much of our earliest knowledge of Celtic history and culture coming from interactions with Greek travelers and Roman conquerors, the author spends some time looking at Celtic Gaul and the impact of its Romanisation – essentially a sustained migration of Celts from Gaul/France to the British Isles with, naturally, an impact on the local Britain’s. Likewise, as the Roman juggernaut crossed the Channel and began the occupation of Britain the Celts moved North and West away from them (as much as possible) and into Wales and across to Ireland. The bit that helped me understand, or at least appreciate, the Scottish aspect in my own history is the fact that commerce – both in the trade sense and in the genetic sense – was taking place between the Celtic heartlands in Ireland, Wales and Western Scotland for centuries (indeed for millennia) which might very well account for the 32% due to the slow accretion of DNA over the years. At least it’s a thought until I find something a bit more concrete.  

As you can imagine, this was a DEEP dive into my ancestral gene pool and, although it didn’t give me a whole lot to work with, it still provided both food for thought and a much deeper understanding of all things Celtic. I liked the author's style of writing and she very clearly ‘knew her stuff’. If you’ve ever wondered about the Celts, and especially if you have (or think you have) Celtic blood flowing through your veins, this is definitely an excellent introduction to the subject. Likewise, if you have an interest in ancient (and sometimes dead or dying) languages – including Celtic – this volume will give you some interesting insights and ideas to follow up on. Recommended. More ancestry deep dives coming soon.

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