01-08-2007, 09:14 PM
Quote:I agree, the late Romans were akin to Americans in this regard. (Perhaps that is one of the reasons why we are so fascinated by them) The 'Celts' did have a culture throughout most of Europe and controlled such. They should have their due too. Looking at Caesars diaries in reality the Celts gave him allot of problems, whereby the Germans were disposed of with relative ease. The Celts were not 'barbarians' in the negative sense and Caesar it seems new this. His negotiations show much sophistication on both sides, not just unilateral.
Gaul was an extremely valuable piece of fertile land, coveted by German and Romans alike. It is obvious Caesar did his nasty deeds there for himself only as many senators surmised. It was an illegal act according to some senators and one that brought about ruin and loss of a valued trading partner, besides losing a very effective buffer.
My Celt Friend says what he meant was that there were so many Celts that they were easily the majority in the late Roman army but not the only group of course. Yes , I know that many people from the Balkans were in the army and became emporors even and from everywhere else.
However, perhaps he has a point to suggest because of sheer weight of numbers the 'Celt' presence had to be strongest.
How do your friends recon they are "Celts"? Do they belive in Celtic gods or speak a celtic language... just wonder because there is not many who do anymore. I met one or two gaelicspeakers in Ireland back in 99 but I don´t think they where more celtic than I´m Germanic.
