For this outfit, I've chosen to put together a Gallic warrior from the 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. Most Celtic warriors were lightly armed and armoured. Speed was the key to their success, and their most successful military feats were ambushes. When the Gauls weren't at war with other peoples, they were fighting amongst themselves between different tribes. Gauls didn't really see themselves as one people (although the tribes certainly knew they shared a cultural identity). A Gallic warrior would identify themselves not so much as Gallic, but by their tribe name. For example, the Menapii who lived in the region of the Scheldt, between the southern Netherlands and northern France. This warrior is both an example for warriors from internal conflicts and as a Gallic warrior during the time of the Gallic Wars with the Roman commander Julius Caesar.
According to Roman commander Julius Caesar, many Gallic warriors fought naked. The Celts themselves also regularly depicted warriors without clothes. This may have been for guerrilla purposes where clothing and equipment got in the way, or it could have had spiritual reasons. However, it's not impossible that Roman propaganda greatly exaggerated this topic.
Thorsberg trousers
Our Gaul is wearing trousers here that closely resemble the Thorsberg trousers from the 2nd century CE. The trousers are a tight, effective design that were later worn by the Romans themselves during Roman periods.
Gallic warrior tunic
Our Gallic warrior is wearing a tunic made of roughly woven cotton in this composition. This cotton looks remarkably like linen but is cheaper and more durable. As with other clothing items, the harder the colour was to make, the more expensive it was. Most Gauls wore earth tones and possibly check patterns.
Celtic belt
The belt I've chosen is based on belt fittings that have been discovered. Hundreds of belt fittings from the La Tène Period have been found. Unlike later periods, the Celts fastened their belts with belt hooks that hooked into holes in the belt.
Celtic sword
As with most peoples, swords were a luxury. Celtic swords were known for their sharpness and efficiency. Celtic swords were longer than those of most surrounding peoples and could be used effectively from horseback. They could be used for thrusting, but were primarily designed for slashing.
Celtic spear
The spear was the weapon of choice for the Celts. Spears are faster and lighter than swords. The Celts used spears both for thrusting and for throwing. Additionally, some spears were very suitable for doing both. Archery was less popular in Celtic culture.
We sell both blunt and sharp spears, depending on what you want to use them for. For re-enactment, blunt spears or spears with safety tips are excellent choices.
Gallic helmet
Various Gallic and Celtic helmets have been found across Europe and on the British Isles. Most of these helmets were both practical and intimidating. Horsehair was often hung from the point of the helmet.
Mail shirts
The mail shirt is a Celtic invention. Mail shirts were very expensive and were only for Celtic chieftains who fought almost exclusively on horseback. Celtic mail shirts closely resembled later Roman mail shirts such as the Lorica hamata. This was because the Romans had copied the mail shirt directly from the Celts.
