The modern view of Druids is that of priests, however, in actuality they had the tripartite duties of priests, philosophers and judges. Instead of being a mysterious magician priests, they actually were an oligarchical elite with both judicial and religious duties.

In this light, it then becomes apparent that Caesar had a much clearer picture of the Druids and the Celts than many have given him credit for. He understood the importance of the Druids which quite possibly accounts for his very harsh treatment of them. (more so than his excuse of human sacrifice....which I feel is just that.....an excuse making it more palatable to the Romans).

Druids held the history, the law, the wisdom, the religion of their society. Once this was removed, much of what made them Celts also eventually vanished.