The Picts were a group of people who inhabited Scotland during the 4th to the 10th century AD. They were named Picts by the Romans because of their tattooed bodies, which was the Latin word for “painted.” Although the Picts left no written history, we can still learn a lot about them from their surviving art and the records of their encounters with other cultures.
Teaching students about the Picts can provide a unique opportunity to explore ancient Scottish culture and history. Here are some ways to engage students and help them learn about this fascinating group.
Introduction
Begin by explaining who the Picts were and where they lived. You can use maps, pictures, and videos to help bring the topic to life. Explain to students that the Picts were skilled warriors who fought fiercely against various enemies, including the Romans and the Vikings.
Art and Symbols
The Picts left behind a legacy of finely crafted stone carvings and drawings which are found throughout Scotland, making them a visual marker of Pictish culture. Have the students take a close look at selected examples of Pictish art and symbols, and try to identify common features. Students can then create their own Pictish-style artwork using paint, markers, or pencils.
Religion and Beliefs
Discuss the Picts’ religious beliefs and practices. Although there is little direct evidence of what the Picts believed, we know they performed some kind of ancestor worship, and the Pictish Symbols that they carved onto stones may have represented different gods or spirits. Encourage students to research these symbols and speculate on their meanings.
Daily Life
The Picts would have lived quite differently from our modern-day lifestyle. Discuss what it would have been like to live in Pictish society, including their diet (primarily fish and barley), their homes (feasting and sleeping halls), and their traditions (such as their skill in wood carving and metalwork). Encourage students to compare and contrast the Picts’ lifestyle with the contemporaneous cultures in the surrounding areas.
Legacy of the Picts
The Picts largely disappeared from recorded history in the 10th century AD, leaving behind little information about their culture and society. Nonetheless, their legacy can still be observed in Scottish history and culture to this day. Students can research and discuss elements of Scottish culture (such as kilts, bagpipes, tartans, etc.), and identify which of these are the legacies of Pictish culture.
Conclusion
By teaching students about the Picts, we can uncover an ancient culture and society, which is both fascinating and often overlooked. Whether investigating their artwork, beliefs, daily life, or legacy, students can connect with the Picts in a way that will deepen their understanding of ancient Scottish culture and history.
