... to them by the heat of passion rather than by cool calculation'. Polybius (200? -118? BC), a Roman historian of Greek origin wrote extensively on the Celts as he chronicled the rise of the Roman Empire. At the battle of Telamon in 225 BC Polybius comments on the Celts fighting naked and how it was a 'terrifying spectacle'1. The historians J.N.G. and W.F. Ritchie highlight certain passages from Polybius. They say that they 'relied on unbounded fury, strength and dexterity. The charge succeeded because of the emphasis on individual effort, but if the attack failed, it became clear that the Celts lacked the essential skills of military organisation'.2 Ritchie & Ritchie seem to be implying that the Celts method of using the individual charge was successful. This would back up the point that it was more the heat of passion over cool calculation that commended their steps in battle. Polybius although being ...

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