Economy of ancient Tamil country trade. Industrial activity flourished. Inland trading was conducted primarily through barter in busy market places by merchant associations and commercial lending institutions. Merchants formed associations that operated autonomously, without interference from the state. The people of ancient Tamil country engaged in brisk overseas trade with Rome; the trade reached a peak after the discovery of a direct route for merchant ships between Tamilakam and Egypt, taking advantage of the monsoon winds. Pepper, pearls, ivory, textiles and gold ornaments were exported from Tamilakam, and the main imports were luxury goods such as glass, coral, wine and topaz. Foreign trade brought in
Ancient Celtic women of the Gauls, describes the "furor heroicus" (heroic fury) of the Gallic women, as "large as men, with flashing eyes and teeth bared." Recent research has problematised these ancient authors' statements. The position of Celtic women may have changed, especially under the influence of Roman culture and law, which saw the man as head of his household. British female rulers, like Boudicca and Cartimandua, were seen as exceptional phenomena; the position of king (Proto-Celtic "*rig-s") - in Gaul mostly replaced by two elected tribal leaders even before Caesar's time - was usually a male office. Female rulers did not always