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CELTIC ARMIES
The above image is from a box of toy soldiers by Italeri.
Classical writers were fond of characterizing the Celts as un-civilized barbarians. The Greeks and Romans derided the Celts’ violent behavior, yet their own societies encouraged this warrior society. Slaves and mercenaries were in high demand in the Mediteranean. In response to such a market, the neighboring Celts placed emphasis on fighting abilitiy—to captures slaves for trade and to offer skilled fighters for hire. War was a large part of their society, but they were not simple brutes. yet They were also superb craftsmen, with a developed market economy. Although they shared a similar culture and language, the varied Celtic people never formed a single unified nation. Indeed, many historians now are reluctant to use the term “celt”, because it implies a false homogeny.
Romans were impressed by Celtic prowess in battle and were eager to employed them (especially the cavalry) in the Roman army. Roman territory had long been subject to raids by various Celtic tribes. The conquering and "Romanizing" of Gaul and Britain reduced the threat to Roman interests. However, raids from the remaining free Celtic lands and rebellions from within would continue.
COSTUME
The ancient Celts were fond of bright colors. Their trousers, capes and tunics were dyed with stripes, plaids and other patterns. Some of the more fanatical warriors were reported to have fought completey naked.
This statue of a dying Celt is from Pergamon in modern Turkey. It commemorated the 3rd century Greek victory over the Galatians, the Celts of Asia Minor. Note the spiked hair and torque (twisted metal necklace)
EQUIPMENT
Celtic objects are catagorized by the La Tene dating system. (dates are approximations)
La Tène I: 450 - 250 BC
La Tène II: 250-120 BC
La Tène III: 120 -50 BC
La Tène IV (Britain only, after Gaul fell to Rome) 50 BC - 100 AD
Weapons
Celtic Shields
Armor - The Celts were among the first people to develop chainmail. They may have invented it. This excellent body armor was typically reserved for the wealthy Celtic nobles, but it was not too uncommmon for the rank and file men to wear a bronze or ironhelmet. Based on the number of Iron Age helmets found on the continent vs. Britain, it would seem that helmets among the British were less common than with the Gauls.
ARMY COMPOSITION
Celtic warbands were composed of several general catagories of specialized warriors.
Command - carried large shield, heavily armored warlords. Battle commands were relayed by standard bearers and horn players.
Heavy Infantry - large shield, spearmen and swordsmen.
Light Infantry - small or no shield, slingers, archers, javelinmen
Cavalry - elite warriors, armed similarly to heavy infantry.
Chariots - uncommon on mainland Europe by 1st century BC, continued in Braitain
TACTICS
The battle tactics of the Celtic tribes must have varied somewhat from region to region. Caesar's writings of his war with the Gauls indicate the celts could be quite capable of sophisticated miliatry tactics and formations.