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Osprey Men at Arms #158
Rome's Enemies (2): Gallic and British Celts
In 390 BC, a Gallic army marched on Rome. A confident Roman army of about 15,000 men that was sent to bar the way, was destroyed. Three days after the Battle of Allia, the Gauls entered Rome, much of which they burned, and demanded a huge bounty of gold to leave the city. During the weighing procedure, Brennus, the Gallic leader, is said to have thrown his sword on to the scales with the words 'Vae victis' - 'Woe to the defeated'. A sentiment the Gauls were soon to experience first hand. This fascinating work by Peter Wilcox explores the history, dress and equipment of Rome's Celtic enemies.
48 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 1985
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 17, 2024
ROME'S ENEMIES (2) GALLIC & BRITISH CELTS was a good companion to other Osprey titles about the Celts. No, I am not referring to the Celts from Boston who dribble that orange ball around the court but those ancient warriors who overran much of northern Europe. As stated in other books, these tribes originated in the east and migrated westward over the centuries. The men, warriors, raided and pillaged and their families followed. Those before them were the last of the Stone Age farmers and hunters. In time many of them served Rome as mercenaries until all their fellow Celts were conquered by Rome, except for those in the mountainous wastelands of Scotland.
These Celts may have originally been from common stock but in time they took on different distinctions. The ones referred to as the Gallic Celts seemed to cause the most trouble to Rome.
Celtic chieftains and wealthy nobles were often mounted and wore armor. They rode without stirrups and their saddles had four distinct nobs or posts which provided stability and a place to hang stuff. British nobles rode in chariots from which they could fight cavalry. They would dismount to fight infantry while their chariot stood by in case a haste retreat was called for.
The rank and file fought on foot. Young warriors had learned their trade while growing up in foster homes. I guess that ensured a common bond to a people who were more tribal than ruled by a central government.
When on the field before battle the Celt champions might shout out challenges for individual combat. If there were no takers, or once that was concluded, there would be a blowing of trumpets and yells followed by a mad charge. Bowmen would let loose with their arrows and the slingers would let fly. By the way, being a slinger required little in the way of financial outlay but required extensive practice. However, once proficient David could slay Goliath as a hit with that stone could break limbs and even cause fatal head wounds to those wearing metal helmets! Those facing the charging horde would notice many blue painted bodies and nudes as well. The Celts would throw their javelins before reaching their enemy and once contact was made they would do havoc with their swords.
There was a good write up about Caesar's campaigns against the Celts. Those Romans were a sneaky bunch. They would send agents to stir up trouble between tribes and when one side asked for help the Roman legions would soon arrive. As a side note, it seems like that practice has continued down through the centuries. Anyway, like the nineteenth century British infantry in square facing charging natives, the Romans in their organized lines would let loose with all their hand thrown weapons to disrupt the charging enemy and then engage them in swordplay with the advantage of fine armor. Being organized they could rotate their troops as they tired. Unless caught in an ambush, the Roman tactics would prevail against an enemy who relied merely on individual valor. Surviving Celt tribes had the choice of what we now refer to as ethnic cleansing or serving Rome. Today's Boston Celts have a much better deal.
Maps, chronology, fine color artwork and plenty of photographs grace these pages. It is a great reference book.
These Celts may have originally been from common stock but in time they took on different distinctions. The ones referred to as the Gallic Celts seemed to cause the most trouble to Rome.
Celtic chieftains and wealthy nobles were often mounted and wore armor. They rode without stirrups and their saddles had four distinct nobs or posts which provided stability and a place to hang stuff. British nobles rode in chariots from which they could fight cavalry. They would dismount to fight infantry while their chariot stood by in case a haste retreat was called for.
The rank and file fought on foot. Young warriors had learned their trade while growing up in foster homes. I guess that ensured a common bond to a people who were more tribal than ruled by a central government.
When on the field before battle the Celt champions might shout out challenges for individual combat. If there were no takers, or once that was concluded, there would be a blowing of trumpets and yells followed by a mad charge. Bowmen would let loose with their arrows and the slingers would let fly. By the way, being a slinger required little in the way of financial outlay but required extensive practice. However, once proficient David could slay Goliath as a hit with that stone could break limbs and even cause fatal head wounds to those wearing metal helmets! Those facing the charging horde would notice many blue painted bodies and nudes as well. The Celts would throw their javelins before reaching their enemy and once contact was made they would do havoc with their swords.
There was a good write up about Caesar's campaigns against the Celts. Those Romans were a sneaky bunch. They would send agents to stir up trouble between tribes and when one side asked for help the Roman legions would soon arrive. As a side note, it seems like that practice has continued down through the centuries. Anyway, like the nineteenth century British infantry in square facing charging natives, the Romans in their organized lines would let loose with all their hand thrown weapons to disrupt the charging enemy and then engage them in swordplay with the advantage of fine armor. Being organized they could rotate their troops as they tired. Unless caught in an ambush, the Roman tactics would prevail against an enemy who relied merely on individual valor. Surviving Celt tribes had the choice of what we now refer to as ethnic cleansing or serving Rome. Today's Boston Celts have a much better deal.
Maps, chronology, fine color artwork and plenty of photographs grace these pages. It is a great reference book.
December 1, 2023
Nice historical overview of these forces. well written and with good illustrations. Recommended
April 11, 2021
Sudden urge to strip naked, cover myself in blue paint, and go on a cattle raid.
January 11, 2011
good to know the Celtic culture.
October 7, 2019
Archaeology has moved on a bit since this was written in the 1980's, but I suspect the main attraction is the detailed information about weapons and the reconstruction drawings.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews