Previously the only real roads were drove trails). This fighting tradition continued from ancient times into Scotland and Ireland, Wales and the rest of Britain – but continued to thrive only into more modern times in those areas which were physically daunting and sometimes virtually impossible to penetrate with large armies (roads were scarce to non-existent in the Highlands for instance till the British military wised up and started a road-building campaign. If the cause wasn’t clear, if here wasn’t something to be personally gained, or if their leader was inept, they often packed up and went home. When Celts found themselves in large armies, they almost always followed their individual leaders who held more weight than any prince or king. It took a very savvy field commander to use them to best effect.Ĭeltic warriors were often tied directly to a nobleman, and his wealth was often described in terms of how many men-at-arms he could field, as much as his personal property. Devastating and virtually unstoppable in the right circumstances, the mighty Celts were widely feared – but those circumstances of coordinated attack didn’t always present themselves. Though they could most certainly rise to the occasion in those instances of necessary co-operation, once unleashed however, it was almost every man for themselves. What he didn’t understand is that most continental Celts seemed to worship combat as an individual skill and calling – and using them in complicated maneuvers really went against the Celts warrior individuality. With a huge force of these formidable men, Hannibal seemed very happy. Celtic cavalry wore chain link armor (those who could afford it) and were reasonably well-protected. Hannibal and his brother knew that the Celts were for the most part fearless fighters – often going into battle without much in the way of clothing (compared to others), eschewing armor as un-manly, and for the most part holding only wicker and wooden shields (sometimes with brass pieces attached as extra protection), spears, javelins and long swords – and often wearing not much more than tartan patterned trews (or less, though the Celtic noblemen often had armor and wore conical helmets). The Celts from earliest accounts were often described in all the above terms – but this article is just going to focus on their behavior in an overview of their actual fighting methods in a limited scope.Įarly tales tell of Hannibal, who during his relentless march against Rome and Roman interests, managed to incorporate a large force of Celts and Celt-Iberians as he passed through Spain and Europe as he headed towards the alps and eventually down towards this hated enemies in Italy. There’s truth in all of these to varying degrees, depending on what history you are reading. They were also described as being savages dirty, naked, and cowardly. Often described as fearless, brutal, savage and unstoppable. There are many stories, tales, myths and legends about the Scottish warrior through the ages. The Highland Charge, Battle Cries and the Rebel Yell
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