There is certainly dispute over the Celts’ fighting ability and weaponry. Some scholars have argued that the enemies of the Celts felt their tactics and weaponry were inferior. In essence, their enemies found them to be inferior on all counts. However, the archaeological record points to superiority on the Celts’ part vis a vis weaponry. Since we tend to be biased in favor of the Celts in this account, we’ll discuss the Celts’ weaponry as it is revealed in the archaeological record.
The helmet. The Celts were the first to use cheek guards.
The shield. The Celts were the first to use a large shield that was used to protect the entire body (the small forearm shield used by others was not nearly as effective in protecting the body as the long full body shield used by the Celts). The shield could also be used as a weapon and be interlocked with other shields to present a unified front. It is quite clear from the archeological record that the Romans adopted this shield and tactic from the Celts.
Chain mail. The Celts appear to be the first to have developed the use of a relatively light chain mail to protect the body.
Chariot. The Celts used chariots to great effect during battles against the Romans (using armament on the wheels). They slashed through the front lines and created havoc. Once that effect had been achieved. The warrior left the chariot and fought as infantry. The chariot was left in the hands of a companion. If the occasion warranted, the charioteer would charge forth and pick up the warrior or engage in battle if the warrior was killed.
Cavalry. The Celts used a tri-part cavalry system: the warrior and two handlers. All three rode horses. If the warrior’s horse was injured, a handler brought up another. If the warrior was killed, one of the handlers took his place. They also picketed the horses and fought as infantry if need be.
