La Tene Chronology and the Celti

La Tene Chronology and the Celtic Warrior*

by Nathan Bell

The Iron Age culture regarded as "Celtic" by the archaeological community is named after the find site at Lake Neuchatel, La Tene in Switzerland. Historians further categorize the period chronologically by referring to various "phases" of La Tene.

There are several La Tene dating sytems, and here I will attempt to give a brief thumbnail of the various rough divisions.

Note: these guidelines really apply to the Continent, and even there variations on the themes may be present in certain areas(i.e., Champagne region, Carpathian basin) The equipment phases from the Continent do not represent gear from Britain or Ireland to any great extent.

La Tene A1/Early La Tene/early LaTene I

This phase is the transition between Late Halstatt culture and the birth of the solidly "Celtic" La Tene culture, dating from about 460 BC onwards. Spears predominate the offensive weaponry, usually multiple spears per grave (a large fighting spear and several throwing spears). Swords, when present at all, varied significantly in size and character. In the usual case, the sword was a very short sidearm (blade of 40-50cm), often just a long dagger, and always intended for stabbing. Metallic shield fittings are extremely rare, usually only a metal grip reinforce. Ornate openwork belt hooks are common, as are anthropomorphic and zoomorphic "mask fibulae". Warfare for the fighting noble is presumed to have a heavy emphasis on chariot warfare.

La Tene A2/Early La Tene/middle La Tene I

In this period from about 400 BC forward, slight changes from the preceding period. Swords become more frequent in warrior graves, With a fairly "standardized" size (Blade length of 60cm or so). Spears are still very numerous and are usually found in pairs (or greater number). The Waldalgesheim or Vegetal Style of decoration appears, and is used on scabbards, helms, and personal ornament. Often every milimeter of the object surface is covered with decoration. The modified lyriform decoration of "dragon" or "bird" pairs begins to be found on scabbards at the end of this period. Shield are still almost entirely organic, with metallic fittings found predominantly as small applique', handgrip reinforce, and the occasional metral rim. A heavy emphasis on chariot warfare remains throughout.

La Tene B/late La Tene I/Early Middle La Tene(some systems)

During this period, from 300 BC or so forward, the Celtic warrior is at the height of power. The warrior Celt is predominantly a heavy infantryman in mercenary service to many ancient cultures, "expanding" throughout the ancient world. Nobles can also be found serving as chariot warriors and cavalry, with cavalry on the rise and chariot warfare on the wane. Warrior equipment is generally a single large fighting spear, sword, and shield. Swords become very slightly longer and heavier (blades 60-66cm or so and often with a midrib) although they retain a somewhat broad, pointed, thrusting character. Metal umbos begin to appear, first as bivalvate plates nailed to the wooden boss, then at the end of this period as the familiar strap-boss. Metallic rims are still rare though occurring with much greater frequency than the preceding period. Bronze and more often, iron belt-chains appear, establishing the semi-rigid suspension system needed by the footsoldier. The "plastic" art style appears and can be found on rivets, bracelets, and portions of scabbards. A modified vegetal art style continues, as does the use of "Dragon" and "Bird" pairs at scabbard throats.

La Tene C/Middle La Tene/La Tene II

In this period, from about 260 BC forward, the basic warrior equipment remains the same---sword, heavy fighting spear, shield, and now always an iron belt chain. Emphasis remains on the footsoldier, but cavalry becomes increasingly important as this period continues. The sword in this period changes. The "typical" sword for this period is a longer, slimmer blade, usually of lentoid section but sometimes diamond. The blade length of blades varies from around 65cm up to 80cm or so at the end of this period. For much of the period, the blade is slender with a slow, graceful taper. The emphasis of these swords is the cut, although many retain a serviceable point. Toward the end of this period, the blade becomes both broader and longer, with a tendency to taper vary little. The nearly parallel edges of these later blades can end in a spaulate point or a short but still sharp point. Shields now always have a metallic band-shaped boss, as well as an occasional metallic rim. Also toward the end of this period, some spears develop a long tapering, quadrangular point like a bayonette. Art style is more restrained, with more sparse and subtle decoration of triskeles and flowing, assymmetric lines. "Dragon pairs" disappear on scabbard art.

La Tene D/Late La Tene/La Tene III

This phase, from about 125 BC to 100 AD, represents the final flowering of the Celtic warrior. In this period, the professional warrior is generally a noble of Equestrian class, although lesser equipped foot soldiers still abound. Warrior gear Is a long, heavy fighting spear or lance, long cutting sword, shield, and often a helm. The sword remains large and parallel-edged for much of its length, where there is a point, it is a short one. Emphasis is on the cut, and blades are either longer, broader, or both in respect to the preceding period. (80-90 +cm blade length and often 4.5 or more cm broad). Shields continue to be found with spindle umbo and a band-shaped metal boss. However, as the period progresses, shields lose the characteristic spindle and can be found with a domed metallic boss in place of the long umbo, in the last stages of this period the boss is often carinated as well. The chain belt disappears, and the 3-ring suspension system with very simple fittings is found. Art style is similarly simplified, being rather plain or "Severe" in style and adornment.

*Images after Andre Rapin, "L'Armement du Guerrier Celte au 2e Age du Fer", in L'Art Celtique en Gaule , Collections des musees de Province (1983-1984). An invaluable source and a highly recommended purchase.