The Celts adopted guerrilla warfare tactics to combat the Romans. They avoided pitched battles and instead relied on hit-and-run attacks, ambushes, and raids to wear down the Roman forces and disrupt their supply lines.
Chariot Warfare:
The Celts were skilled in chariot warfare. They used two-wheeled chariots pulled by horses, each carrying a driver and several warriors armed with spears and swords. The chariots were fast, agile, and could inflict devastating damage on the enemy.
Swords and Spears:
Celtic warriors were equipped with long, double-edged swords known as 'gladius' and long thrusting spears called 'gaesum.' They were proficient in close-quarters combat and could effectively engage the Roman soldiers in hand-to-hand fighting.
Use of Terrain:
The Celts took advantage of their knowledge of the local terrain to their advantage. They fought in dense forests, hilly areas, and marshes where the Romans' superior discipline and organization were less effective.
Tribal Unity:
The Celts operated as decentralized tribal societies. While this could lead to internal conflicts and disunity, it also meant that the Romans had to fight against numerous Celtic tribes, each with its own strengths and tactics.
Religious Beliefs:
The Celts had a strong belief in their gods and practiced a form of paganism. This religious fervor gave them courage and resilience in battle, inspiring them to fight fiercely for their deities, ancestors, and land.
Cultural Resistance:
In addition to military tactics, the Celts also engaged in cultural resistance. They maintained their traditions, language, and customs, despite Roman attempts at assimilation. This cultural resilience helped preserve Celtic identity and contributed to their long-term survival.
These tactics allowed the Celts to wage a prolonged resistance against the Romans. While they were ultimately conquered by the Roman Empire, their formidable fighting spirit and military strategies left a lasting impression and impacted the course of Roman military campaigns.