Celtic Warfare
Celtic strategies, tactics and Weapons
In war, Celts fought fearlessly and savagely with skill whilst being superstitious and religious. In Britain, the Celts used chariots whilst Celts in Spain were good Swordsmen. In distant combat, harpoons, javelins, bows and slings were used. Melee wise, spears, hammers and swords were used for they were excellently sword’s makers and swordsman. Although most Celts were mostly unarmored, Celtic Noblemen wore Armour of leather, bronze and chain mail to be light in battle. Their tactics included the Frontal attack which Celts would charge against the enemy and use their sheer power to charge and melee them in a Frenzied attack. Guerrilla tactics, their knowledge of the terrain and their speed allowed them to work ambush their enemies.
Reasons for War
The main reasons for outbreaks of war and conflict were majorly for more territory and expansion. To claim more land and hence more resources the same as an empire.
They had went to war against the Romans whom had pushed the Celts to the British Isles. The Romans saw the Celt as Barbaric and a pest. Their way of life from cultural practices, religious practices and their language was at threat by Roman conquest. The defining characteristics of their society were very superstitious peoples that lived in a tribal setting. They were warlike and hence frequently went to war.
They had went to war against the Romans whom had pushed the Celts to the British Isles. The Romans saw the Celt as Barbaric and a pest. Their way of life from cultural practices, religious practices and their language was at threat by Roman conquest. The defining characteristics of their society were very superstitious peoples that lived in a tribal setting. They were warlike and hence frequently went to war.
Was Celtic Warfare Organised?
No, the civilization was not ordered in today’s concept of an ordered, paid army. Their tribal existence however utilized tribal leaders like Boudicca whom lead Celtic forces against the Romans hence forming an uprising. Once the Roman Empire had conquered some Celts, the Celts became organized and skilled mercenaries that worked for Roman Gold.