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Ancient Celtic Armies: Invasion of Rome and Greece

Kings and Generals・16 minutes read

The Celts, known for their advanced weapons and tactics, spread their La Tene culture across Europe, influencing modern countries like Portugal and Ukraine. Despite initial victories, the Celts faced defeat by a united Greek army at Thermopylae, leading to their retreat and the establishment of Galatia in Anatolia.

Insights

  • The Celts, known for their advanced weaponry and war tactics, influenced Roman armor designs and spread their La Tene culture across Europe from the 4th to 2nd centuries BC, impacting modern countries like Portugal and Ukraine.
  • Gallic armies, employing intimidating war-chariots and ferocious tactics, instilled fear in enemies through war-dances and horn-blowing, leading to conflicts like the Gallo-Roman war and the invasion of Greece, showcasing both their military prowess and strategic ambitions.

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Recent questions

  • What weapons did Gaulish warriors use?

    Swords, spears, shields, helmets with iron bosses.

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Summary

00:00

Celtic Warriors: Innovators of Ancient Warfare

  • The second episode of the series on the Ancient Celts delves into their armies, weapons, armors, tactics, expansion, and invasions of Rome and Greece.
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  • La Tene Celtic culture spread across Europe from the 4th to 2nd centuries BC, influencing modern countries like Portugal and Ukraine.
  • Gaulish warriors were equipped with advanced arms and armor, including longswords, specialized spears, oakwood shields, and helmets with iron bosses and cheekguards.
  • The Celts were innovators in metallurgy, credited with inventing chainmail, influencing Roman armor designs.
  • While body armor was rare among Celts, some warriors fought naked for religious or fear-inspiring reasons.
  • The Celts utilized war-chariots for mobility and intimidation, employing them as missile units and transport vehicles.
  • Gallic armies instilled fear in enemies through war-dances, horn-blowing, and ferocious charges, relying on disorganized but terrifying tactics.
  • The first Gallo-Roman war erupted due to various reasons, leading to the sacking of Rome by the Senones under King Brennus.
  • Roman historian Livy's account of the war, including the siege of the Capitoline hill, the payment of gold to the Gauls, and Marcus Furius Camillus' intervention, may have been embellished for propaganda purposes.

14:38

Celts Invade Greece, Defeated at Thermopylae

  • Gauls respected Alexander the Great, refraining from invading Greece while he ruled.
  • After Alexander's death, the Celts saw Greece as a viable target for plunder.
  • In 298BC, Gallic chieftain Cimbaules pillaged Thrace and Macedon but was stopped by King Cassander.
  • In 281BC, a massive Celtic force invaded Paeonia, Thrace, and Macedon, defeating the Macedonian King Ptolemy Keuranos.
  • Despite initial successes, the Celts were ultimately defeated by a united Greek army at Thermopylae, leading to their retreat and the establishment of Galatia in Anatolia.
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