08-02-2010, 04:49 AM
I'd suspect Caesar had fair knowledge as well; after all, he did spend a considerable amount of time in the region. In his writings, he seems intrigued by the Gauls and sometimes even fairly impressed by them, so i'd imagine that he had a natural curiosity and willingness to learn about these people that he set out to conquer. I just can't imagine being a man in his position and not wanting to know absolutely everything I possibly can about the people he is fighting and forging alliances with. I'd say he had good knowledge of the people and customs, but wether he wrote everything true to what he knew or embelished some things would be another matter. The interesting creatures he mentions that existed in Gaul are certainly questionable, heh. I just wish we knew more about this mysterious Celtillus figure, who appeared to be ahead of his time.
Todd Franks
"The whole race is madly fond of war, high spirited and quick to battle, but otherwise straightforward and not of evil character." - Strabo on the Celts
"The whole race is madly fond of war, high spirited and quick to battle, but otherwise straightforward and not of evil character." - Strabo on the Celts
