Osprey Special Editions (Military) : Lords of Battle : The World of the Celtic Warrior

To the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome, the Celtic warrior of the late Iron Age was the archetypal barbarian, savage, undisciplined, and bloodthirsty. In a clash of cultures that lasted almost 500 years, the rich and vibrant society in which he lived, fought, and died was virtually destroyed, becoming the stuff of myth and legend. Covering the period from the first mention of the Celts by ancient Greek writers to the Roman conquest of Britain, this book examines the Celtic warrior, his society and his place within it, and the conflicts that would eventually destroy his world. Beautifully illustrated with many examples of Celtic art and craftsmanship, this book provides a fascinating insight into a culture whose legacy has endured to the present day. Text by Stephen Allen.

Contents

• Who Were the Celts?
• The Rise of the Celtic World
• Migrants and Mercenaries
• The Bonds of Society
• Illusive Images of the Celtic Gods
• The Way of the Warrior
• The Celtiberians
• The Battle for Gaul
• The Threat from the North
• The End of the Celtic World
• Romance and Reality
• Glossary
• Bibliography