Were druids the wise, kindly and benevolent figures of ancient societies, or bloodthirsty, barbaric priests with a penchant for brutal human sacrifice? Were they purely religious guides, or practitioners of magic? And why did the Romans perceive them to be such a dangerous threat? Speaking to Emily Briffett, Ronald Hutton answers your top questions on the mystical druids of ancient north western Europe.

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Authors

Emily BriffettPodcast editorial assistant

Emily is HistoryExtra’s podcast editorial assistant. Before joining the BBC History team in 2021, Emily graduated with an MA in Public History from Royal Holloway, University of London

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