Druids

the priests of the Celts of Gaul and Britain. According to Jujius Caesar, they po e ed the greatest. authority among the Celtic nations. They had some knowledge of geometry, natural | ete 8 etc., superintended the affairs of religion and morality, and performed the office of judges. They had a common superior, who was elected by a majority of votes from their own number, and who enjoyed his dignity for life. They took unusual care to fence themselves round with mysteries, and it is probable that they cherished doctrines unknown to the common people; but that they had a great secret philosophy which was handed down by oral tradition is very unlikely. Of their religious doctrines little is known. Human sacrifice was one of their characteristic rites, the victims being usually prisoners of war.