Osprey Warrior 30 : Celtic Warrior 300 BC - 100 AD

The warlike Celts have long been a subject of fascination, amongst modern-day scholars and ancient foes alike. In the 1st century BC, Strabo wrote of them: 'The whole race... is madly fond of war, high-spirited and quick to battle... and on whatever pretext you stir them up, you will have them ready to face danger, even if they have nothing on their side but their own strength and courage.'. Stephen Allen provides an insight into the life of the Celtic warrior, and his experience of battle - on foot, on horseback, and as a charioteer. He examines Celtic society in detail and studies the vital ritual nature of Celtic warfare, from the naked gaesatae to the woad-painted warriors. Contemporary literary sources such as Caesar, Livy, Polybius and Tacitus are used to describe reaction to the Celts, and the vernacular literature of the Celts themselves reinforces these classical texts, as do modern-day archaeological finds. Text by Stephen Allen with illustrations by Wayne Reynolds.

Contents

• Introduction
• Chronology
• The Warrior in Celtic Society
• Appearance and Equipment
• The Field of Battle
• Aftermath
• Places to Visit
• Glossary
• Bibliography
• Plates Commentary