The spelling of the word "Kelten" can be confusing for some due to its irregular phonetic pattern. In IPA transcription, the word is pronounced /ˈkɛltən/, with the stress on the first syllable. The 'e' in the first syllable is pronounced as an open-mid front unrounded vowel, while the 't' is pronounced with aspiration. The 'e' in the second syllable is silent. The spelling of the word 'Kelten' comes from the Germanic pronunciation of the word 'Celt'. Today, it's primarily used as the German word for 'Celts'.
Kelten is a term used to refer to the Celtic people, an ancient Indo-European ethnic and cultural group that inhabited vast regions of Western Europe during the Iron Age. The term "Kelten" originated from the German word "Kelte" which was first used by German archaeologists in the 19th century to describe this particular group of people.
The Kelten were known for their advanced metalworking skills, particularly in the production of intricate jewelry and weapons. They were a highly skilled and agricultural society, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and trade. The Celtic culture was characterized by their unique artistry and craftsmanship, as seen through their intricate metalwork, pottery, and stone carvings. They also had a complex social and political structure, with various tribal groups and warrior classes that held power within their respective societies.
The Kelten had a rich and diverse mythology, with beliefs in multiple gods and goddesses who governed various aspects of life. They were also known for their distinctive language, known as Celtic, which was spoken across a wide range of territories. The Celtic language, however, gradually disappeared and is only preserved today in a few isolated pockets.
The era of the Kelten declined with the expansion of the Roman Empire, as the Romans gradually conquered and assimilated Celtic territories. However, the culture and influence of the Kelten continue to resonate today, as seen through the survival of Celtic traditions, folklore, and language in certain regions of Europe such as Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany.
The word Kelten (Celts) is derived from the Latin word Celtae, which originally referred to a specific group of people inhabiting a region in modern-day central Europe. The Latin term likely originated from the indigenous Celtic language spoken by the Celts themselves, but there is no clear etymology for the Celtic word that gave rise to Celtae.