When we think about the history of Europe, stories of kings, knights and patriarchal systems often dominate the imagination. But what if I told you that the roots of some societies were precisely in the power of women?
DNA research, archaeological finds, and historical analysis are giving us a new perspective on matrilineal traditions—societies in which descent and power were passed down through the female line. Let’s take a journey together into this fascinating and often forgotten world.
Matrilineal Royal Houses: The Celtic Secret
Two of the most famous Iron Age burial mounds in Germany, known as the Heuneburg and the Hohmichele, have revealed surprising secrets. DNA research suggests that nobility in these ancient Celtic societies was passed down matrilineally (Krause et al., 2023). This means that kingship was determined not through the father, but through the mother.
This finding sheds new light on how power and identity were defined in these ancient communities.
In these societies, women were more than just wives or mothers – they were the bearers of status and influence. The idea that power could be passed on through women undermines our stereotypical image of male-dominated antiquity and shows us the complexity of Celtic social structures.
The Cucuteni-Trypillian Culture: The Founders of Europe
Even further back in time, around 4050-3900 BC, the Cucuteni-Trypillian society flourished in present-day Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine. This culture, known for its impressive settlements that could house up to 15,000 people, was matriarchal in nature. Women were the heads of households and played a central role in agriculture, crafts such as pottery, textiles, and clothing (Gimbutas, 1991).
The Cucuteni-Trypillians emphasized the connection between women and fertility, not only in terms of children but also in their capacity to cultivate the land and ensure food security. This matriarchal structure seems to have promoted a more harmonious distribution of power and responsibility between the sexes, making their society one of the most advanced of its time.
Reconstruction of the Hochdorf burial mound. Credit: Landesamt für Denkmalpflege im Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart, O. Braasch
Women in the Viking Age: Textiles and Power
Viking society is often associated with male warriors and explorers, but recent research has revealed a different story. Textile finds and archaeological analyses suggest that women had a huge influence on both the economy and culture (Sindbæk, 2019). Textile production was not just a household task; it was an essential pillar of Viking trade and a symbol of social status.
Women were often responsible for the production of high-quality fabrics, which were used as currency and status symbols. This economic power gave them an important role within their communities, again showing that power and influence in Europe's past were not always dominated by men alone.
Inspiration for the Present
What can we learn from these matrilineal and matriarchal societies? They remind us that history is not a fixed line of patriarchal structures, but a rich tapestry of different systems. In these societies, women were seen as bearers of power, heirs of influence, and builders of communities.
Today, we can use these lessons to rethink the roles women play in society. Recognizing the female-centered past can inspire us to build systems that once again recognize women’s power and influence.
Conclusion
From Celtic burial mounds to Neolithic Cucuteni-Trypillian settlements and Viking textile production, Europe’s history is filled with examples of societies where women were central. By sharing these stories, we not only restore a part of our history, but also celebrate the power of the mothers and women who shaped our civilization.
Love,
Leaf
References
Gimbutas, M. (1991). The Civilization of the Goddess: The World of Old Europe . HarperCollins.
Krause, J., Arnold, I., & Haak, W. (2023). Matrilineal inheritance in Early Iron Age Celtic society: Evidence from DNA. Nature Communications , 14(56), 1-10.
Sindbæk, S. (2019). Textile economies and female power in Viking Age Scandinavia. Journal of Archaeological Science , 28(4), 324-335.
Saini, A. (2021). The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule . National Geographic.
Shattuck, C. (2021). Celtic burial sites reveal secrets of gender and power. PopularScience . Retrieved from https://www.popsci.com/science/celtic-burial-gender/
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