The Philosopher and the Druids by Philip Freeman

Author:Philip Freeman
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: 2006-01-16T05:00:00+00:00

THE ROMANS generally preferred a javelin only a few feet long that could be thrown if necessary but was more commonly used in close combat. It had only a small head and could be quickly withdrawn and used again. The enormous Celtic spears had both advantages and drawbacks. They were powerful weapons that could penetrate the toughest shields and were perfect for hurling from long distances. But these spears could be used only once—until they were pulled from an enemy’s corpse—and were cumbersome in a close fight.

Gaulish swords were similarly long and elaborate. The scabbards of such weapons were beautifully decorated, as were the handles. The swords themselves were forged from the toughest iron and were several feet in length. They were ideal weapons for use on horseback or for slashing an opponent in half. However, as with Celtic spears, they were too long to allow a warrior to stab an enemy easily in a tightly packed crowd. The Roman gladius sword (from which we get the word gladiator) was a shorter and lighter weapon but was ideal for inflicting multiple stab wounds in tight quarters. Posidonius must have noted that when Gaulish armies all using the same weapons faced each other, there was no particular advantage to either side. But he was familiar enough with Roman gear and tactics to realize that a well-disciplined legion fighting in close quarters could methodically mow down a disorganized band of Gaulish warriors like wheat on a summer’s day.

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