Avant d'être décrits succintement par César comme "les plus braves des Gaulois " (Aquitains, Gaulois et Belges), les Belges étaient un ensemble de peuples établis entre le nord de la gaule et la frise orientale, des Celtes avec des éléments culturels en commun aussi bien avec les peuples germaniques et scandinaves qu'avec les celtes du centre-européen. Il semble en effet, comme les informateurs de césar l'avaient déjà signalé, que ces peuples réunis en une alliance possédait de solides racines à l'est du Rhin. Ces racines avec les farouches peuples germains, alliées avec une langue, une culture et un équipement guerrier empruntés aux gaulois, firent de ces peuples des conquérants en puissance. "Belgae" de ses origines, signifierait "alliés". En effet du temps de César, tout le sud-est de la britannie était occupé par des Belges, et l'aristocratie locale était également Belge d'origine. On ne sait vraiement quand ils traversèrent la manche. Peut-être en 350 av.jc., peut-être même en 250 av.jc.,. Toujours est-il que des Belges, très probablement les Bellovaques, repoussèrent les "autochtones", Gaels, apparentés aux Goidils d'Hibernie, et autres populations locales, comme les Silures. Disposant d'armes et d'armures inconnues des Bretons, ils conquirent rapidement le sud-est de l'Angleterre, s'imposant en maîtres. La "Gaule Belgique" était en réalité bien plus vaste que le Belgique actuelle, s'étendant depuis la normandie jusqu'en hollande actuelle, et vers l'est jusqu'au Rhin.
Les Bellovaques étaient pratiquement assimilés aux Belges en général. La raison en était leur toute-puissance parmi les nations Belges, dont la plupart étaient leurs clients. Directement aux frontières avec la Gaule des Parisii et Senons, ils disposaient de considérables armées, très comparables à celles des Gaulois voisins. L'usage de chariots de guerre était cependant plus fréquent chez les Bellovaques, ce qui s'expliquait notamment par la platitude du paysage, idéal pour la circulation rapide des chars. Toute cavalerie n'était pas absente, et les Rèmes notamment, fournissaient en tant que clients, une cavalerie puissante et aguerrie, réputée dans toute la Gaule...
BELLOVACI
This was 2310 years ago...
Well known and described by Caesar, as the "bravest of the gauls" as they were an old alliances of peoples with strong connections with the germanic world and gallic world, they were probably ancient treves peoples from the east of the Rhine, who settled in 500-600 bc from frisa to the north of gauls. "Belgae" is an ancient term meaning "men of the alliance" or more simply, "allied". The fact is that most of the ancient belgians were probably of germanic origin, but with a celtic and especially gallic acculturation, once settled for centuries. They were settled in western britain at an undetermined time, probably one or two centuries before Ceasar campaign, as coins and evidence of a local belgian strong aristocracy in 300 bc.
With a mixed origin, germanic and celtic, and using gallic armours, helmets, weapons, the belgians were naturally gifted for conquest. In 300 bc, their tactics shadowed those of the neighbouring Gauls. They relied on a heavy infantry made of spearmen accustomed to form a phalanx, sustained by thousands of light levied spearmen, and surrounded by skilled sworsmen and skirmishers. Slingers, archers, and long-range skirmishers were of course, always posted on the front. But the Bellovaci army was characterised by more chariots than cavalry on their wings. Chariots were even the most current way of fighning of the Bellovaci nobility. The main reason was an old practice related with flat plains of these nothern lands. However, the Remi people furnished an excellent and reputed cavalry as a client, and the usual cavalry was made of light and nervous horses fightning in the Germanic fashion, intermixed with infantrymen. The lasts were in charge to sustain the cavalrymen by running through and using spears to dismount enemies in the melee.
After their conquest of Britain, the Belovaci soon subdued or chased local tribes, like the Siluri. At the time of the gallic wars, the Siluri and other neighbour tribesmen has adopted the trousers and many elites used modern helmets. The war chariot, unknown in britain, became then the characteristic way of fightning of the locals, with a guerrilla-tactic by small groups of men, as described Caesar.
The local tribes in Britain and British Isles :
BELLOVACI (FACTION UNITS)
ATECTI (peasant levies) : Belgae peasants formed average recruits. With a wicker shield and a spear, they were useful and cheap to muster. In the standard practice, they had few truly military tasks. They acted as rearguard, mostly to protect the baggage train in campaign, and to support the more experienced Bagaudas in line. But few they were experienced and they had no training, so that their task of spear-carrier was mostly psychologic for the enemy. Better they were as a local defense militia.
ACUADRETTOI : These light infantrymen were in fact usually young Belgian peasant receiving a good training, like Bagaudas, but courageous and ipetuous enough to attack the enemy at a distance. In 300 bc, Celtic-Gallic battles were highly coded, to the point that were the Greek cities hoplites battles. They usually began with skirmishes at great distances. Those who performed the task were the Acuadrettoi, litteraly "fast skirmishers", using a small and very light wicker shield, and a volley of light javelins which were called "Verutum" by the romans. The Verutum were usually launched with a rope for additonal thrust. When advancing in age, those kind of infantrymen became more experienced an better equipped, as were the Acubagaudas.
BAGAUDOI : Like in any celtic army, the Bagaudas formed, by far, the biggest part of the army, usually completed with levied peasants. The Bagaudas were not warriors. They were peasants levied for war and trained for a long with warriors. They were however poorely equipped for the most, relying on their wooden scutums for protection and a spear for defence as well as close fight. Fightning with a spear was relatively easy, and that could ever keep at a distance a more experienced swordsmen, but it could also be break in two and then left these men completely useless. There is few chances that these men could perform defensive actions with formations like the shieldwall. However, they were just a buffer, at the rearguard of the elite spearmen. Their main force resides on their morale strenght and sheer numbers.
BATOROI : Chosen belgian peasants were throwed on the first lines with heavy maces and axes, in order to punch out and break shields of the enemy shieldwall, allowing other better equipped units to exploit the breech. They were not subtile men, just chosen for their impresive size and strenght -some would say their foolness-. Some attacked with two-hand weapons, other with one-hand, at least protected by a light shield. Such task require brute force but aslo sheer courage, to be able to survive to the first assault, immediately followed by swordsmen and spearmen.
ACUBAGAUDOI : These very current spearmen and skirmishers were generally more experienced and better equipped of all levied troops of peasant origin. They were fast, hence their name, probably all former Acuadrettoi. They could have a long dagger or even a short sword for close fight, but relying to their gaiso first. They have also a complement of light "Verutum" for long range, so that theyr formed probably the most versatile light infantry of any Belgian army. Most of all, they were skilled and experienced, and usually support at best young javelineers, and form the wing attack main infantry.
BELLOVACI GAESATOI : Beeing equipped with gaiso as their main weapon, these men were not peasants but warriors, generally poor but of the bravests. Fightning nude or half nude was a common sight, well-decsribed by ancient authors. This was dictated for agility first, and the psychological effect was probably second. They used only Gaiso, heavyer than other javelins, and were design to perform medium or even short-range action in face of the enemy. They played also a provocative game with enemy warriors, taunting, boasting themselves, and calling for duels with first rank warriors. They were equipped with a good quality sword and were skilled with it, although probably quite young.
BELGAE MILNATH : The Milnath (litteraly "big men") were an elite warband of skilled swordsmen. They were physically out of any standards, beeing chosen men first by their strenght, some using helmets and very heavy swords. Perfect line-breakers, they could also be described as young "champions", not wealthy enough to afford an armor, on don't use it in order to be more agile on the battlefield. In some way, they were tattoed and usually half, or completely naked, their hairs usually painted and coated with white cender to be more impressive. Compared to the common romans, they should have been a nightmare in close combat, beeing able to break and thow away even the heavyer shields, and "make room" aroung them with their huge piece of iron... They used to provoque the enemy in singular fight like Gaestoi.
BOGIOCINGETOI : Celtic axemen were of course, mostly peasants, as the axe was an utilitarian weapon, easy to manage, not requiring the skills of a professional warrior. Axes used by celtic warriors were a relic of the Halstatt age, in 300 bc, they had practically disppeared of the battlefield. But in some case, experience warriors were needed to perform breakthrough actions or to act as sappers, particularly when the enemy was entrenched. So the Bogiocingetoi, litterally "punchers-walkers", were well-equipped infantrymen, highly versatile, having heavy javelins for short range action, a sword, and axe for the first shock, and a dagger. They were a perfect assault infantry, particularly in siege actions.
DRWDAE CONGETOI : Druids of course never fight. But their presence on the battlefield was current, as they could perform ritual pre-battle ritual sacrifices which were common to most of the ancient armies, and their only presence boosted the morale of nearby troops. To protect themselves, professional warriors were chosen by the local chieftain, and attached to their service. Since their young age with them, they were devouted to them, showing loyalty above all, like client warriors attached to the nobles ("Ambactoi"). A good armor, a longsword, dagger, and heavy javelins made them impressive attackers, and very skilled and high-spirited opponnents.
IOSUSIOI : According to the EB historical researchers, the "iuosusios" were "men-demons", in fact fanatic warriors, were probably prepared for the battle with special inhalation or drinks, in a chamanic style, a tradition which survived under the viking and scandinavian Berserkers... The Picts, Scots are descendants or fierce peoples living in Britain before the Belgian invasion. They fought traditionally naked and heavily tattoed. Poor but skilled and blood-thirsty, they were occasionally recruited by the Belgians to give the necessary punch to their assault forces. Their appearance and tumult were a strong factor of fear - or supposed fear - of the enemy, and the celtic psychological war was always integrated as tactic on its own right. These warriors were either javelinmen, spearmen, and swordsmen, acting at the first line in defiance and for impress the enemy, opening the battle while sacrificing themselves for their god of war.
KLUDDOBRO : These shortswordsmen were current young warriors, acting on the wings with other "Excingoi", in fact "outside warriors" or "side warriors". They have several tasks, but mostly to outflank the enemy center and then perfom various flanking actions. They used short swords and well as long daggers, and light javelins in order to be more agile. They were young bt highly trained and skilled, efficient at short range.
GABALLOCINGETOI : Standard short range, heavy skirmishers, the "Gaballa" throwers were middle-aged and very skilled warriors. They don't have helmets, however, but body armors made of leather shirts, and a good quality scutum. They use exceptionally heavy javelins, designed, just as the Roman Pila, to pierce any armor or shield. They were "Excingoi", side attackers, usually posted behind lighter units, and can repel any infantry counterattack with a tremendous efficience. As very skilled swordsmen, they were parfectly suited to flanking offensive action but moslty to support elite spearmen and Cingetoi in the melee.
UERAGRI : Another kind of "Excinges", these swordsmen were older and very experienced, usually having a good quality helmet, and a leather amor under their tunic. Their were elite swordsmen, using heavy javelins and long swords for devastating slashings. They were designed for flanking attacks and support their troops in the melee.
CINGETOI (early) : Equipped like here, with bronze dics and high helmets like the famous northern "Bérru" or "Marne" helmet, the ancestor of the Montefortino helmet, these are the early, pre-300 bc or La Tene I line spearmen. They are an elite within the Cingetoi, and placed at the second rank, on the center, with the massive "pack" of spearmen which formed the phalanx of any Gallic battle order in 300 bc. Using longswords for close-range action, they march to a slow pace, in silence, as this was described, and then charge with a tremendous stamina at close range, spearhead first. These were three meters long and design to support first ranks elite warriors, nobles and their bodyguards and clients. The lancia was perfect also for defensive actions, but with a shieldwall which was a celtic phalanx, they were designed to push forward until the center of the enemy break off.
CINGETOI (Late) : These heavy infantrymen were elite spearmen, designed to support offensive actions. They used montefortino-style hemets, usually crested or plumed, and external heavy leather armors, which are well-described now. In 200 bc (la Tene 2-3), such spearmen were still the backbone of the central offensive action. They were supported themselves by less-well equipped Cingetoi of the warrior class and Bagaudas spearmen. In close-action, they can always count on their skills and longsword. In 100 bc and up to Caesar conquest, Cingetoi were mostly swordsmen, rather than heavy spearmen. But some were used for strong defensive actions, but also slow-paced, phalanx-type actions, and their tradition was still maintained on the other side on the alps, as testified the Helvetii that fought Caesar.
CINGETOI (Light) : These spearmen were a kind of second-rank Cingetoi. They were spearmen warriors, less well equipped, but forming the majority of the second and third lines. They have the complete panoply of the Cingetoi, including the three-meters Lancia, the melee longsword, with suspension systems designed for slow pace, a dagger, affordable helmets and decent leather jackets, covered with a tunic. As the Bellovaci used to fight Gallic hosts, they shadowd their military organization, contrasting with the late image of the Belgiians as provocative and impetuous, impressive longswordsmen.
AMBACTOI : A very common sight on the battlefield, these Ambactos were the most current warriors of the first rank in the battle order. They were the elite bodyguards of the nobles '("Arjos") and the Champion ("Cavaros"). Typical client-warrior, they were probably the most impressive warriors around, fightning with tremendous skills and bravery, not only to defend their master, but to enhance their own glory. Loyal above all, although, as some researchers agree, less than Solduroi, they were, with the elite Cingetoi, the spearhead of any military action.
BARIOUICES : A kind of an absolute elite, the "bariouices" or "furious assaulters" were highly skilled attackers, too precious to be used as spearmen. They fight with heavy javelins and sword at the first rank, interlapped with noble and elite spearmen. They precedes the final charge by a vollay of heavy projectiles at short range, these last beeing of the size of the Roman "heavy" pilum. Beeing the cream of the cream of all attackers and swordsmen around, there is few warriors able to resist their assault. Their active support is also decisive in melee. Beeing first-line warriors, theyr were heavily procected, beeing barely distinguishable than other elite spearmen, with decorated armors, shields, and helmets. The Bellovaci were the only army to used such swordsmen, perrhaps a n answer to the Gallic "Urcingetoi" or "super-elite swordsmen". Of course, these warriors were nobles.
CAUAROS : Beeing older than the Barouices on the battlefield, the "champions" were a tradition in Celtic warfare. These ones were 300 bc champions, not swordsmen only but first action heavy spearmen, disciplined and fightning near their king, as client elite warrior. Champions were not only the best warriors aroud, preceded by a tremendous reputation. They were also the best noble warriors, and in 300 bc, takes place with their guards (Ambactoi) on the line. They used finely made leather armors (and probably later chainmail armors), excellent quality longswords, and a 2,50 meters spear, with a sharp and very long spearhead conceived for the first charge. They could not be compared with a kind of elite hoplite because of their real indvidual skills that largely outmatch any opponent. A champion was not only a celebrated veteran. He was declared the best warrior of all his nation. But for such a large nation like the bellovaci, which probably fought with their clients and allies, all probably came with their own champions. We can only guess, which their impressive size and strenght, how they could have fought face to face with elite Spartan hoplites. Perhaps ony in a "what if" scenario...
SOLDUROI (Lancia, early 300 bc) : Amongst elite spearmen, the Soludoi were probably the most impressive. They were probably lesser nobles, only capable of using the best equipments around, and no less than Royal bodyguards, in kingdom nations, or close bodyguards of the Verrix, supreme commander, elected as the head of state of several Gellic and belgian confederations. The Bellovaci certainly counted some of these Solduroi, whose name meaning "marching around" (beeing close protectors). The devotion was even more extreme than any links of clientelism. They were conscious to fight and protect their master to the death. In 300 bc; Solduroi were speamen, on the first line, marching in a phalanx when in close order (at enemy fire range). With such protection, and tactic, Verutum were not efficient, as probably sling bullets and arrows. heavily protected, they marched until beeing at range of heavy javelins like the gaballa, and then charged, spearhead first. Their equipments and skills were just superb.
BELLOVACI ARJOS (Early): The Belgian nobles "Arjos", in 300 bc were always the better part of the front line, having the best equipments and a true warlike education. They were several kind of nobles of course. Lesser nobles were usually clients from others, tehmselves tributaries from the Verrix. A perfect hierarchy which ruled firmly the whole Bellovaci Nation, like their opponents. But the privilege to be a noble was also paired with the prestige, honor, and danger, of the front line, but as war was coded as such, they would have to find as opponents others nobles and their bodyguards and clients on the other side...
SOLDUROI (Late) : These Verrix bodyguards of the Bellovaci Nation were no more heavy spearmen, but swordsmen, according to the evolution of the Gallic-Celtic warfare prior to the Cesarean conquest.
ARJOS (Late) : In 50 bc., Belgian nobles were equipped with a more simple maneer, with extra thin and long swords, characterized by their rounded tops, typical of La Tene IV, with also more technical advanced suspension systems, designed for running with a very heavy sword. The shields depicted there were imitation, in carved and painted wood of the iconic ceremonial shield found at Battersea. It was, with no doubt, Belgian, and probably one of the last remnants of the Celtic classic organic style prior to the Roman Empire...
BELLOVACI GAISEREDUS : These light cavalrymen, mounted on nervous, small, not well-built but well trained and endurant horses, were a substantial part of the Belgian cavalry. Heavy cavalry was almost inexistant : Belgian Nobles prefers riding fast chariots. They did an art of its own with this tactic, well described by Caesar in "de bello gallico". Belgian gaiseredus were generally similar to the Gallic light horsemen, they fought with mixed equipment, and melted with fast infantrymen in support, in the Germanic fashion. This combination, unusual for the Romans and Mediterranean civilisations, was remarkable as it was very efficient and destabilizing for enemy cavalrymen, which have to fight against deadly threats from infantry and from other cavalrymen at the same time.
ISSEDONES : (Sing. Isseda) Bellovaci (and Belgian) chariots were with no doubt the most specific character of any Belgian army. They were posted at the rear-wings of the whole battleline, and usually the Gallic ones counted one chariots for two cavalrymen in proportion. In Belgian anient armies, this was clearly inverted, and in the flat plains of the Brabant, from nortern Frisia to Normandy and Champagne plains, the chariots were masters of the battlefield. Very light, small, they have nothing to do with the archaic and heavy, if not armoured chariots that were still used in asia. Celtic chariots were light platforms, with low handlings, and a complicated but very advanced system of suspension and rotating axle. It was the main tracted device used by many Belgian nobles. Lesser nobles and wealthy warriors used them also, with deadly combination of spears, javelins, and sword. Usually, the charioteer was settled on the extreme forward part of the platform, sometimes, the last was too cramped for, and the last was mounted on a small piece of wood, just between the rear of the two towing horses. The last were of the common breed, small, nervous and very resistant. The Issedones were used by wealthy warriors or lesser nobles. When the battle rages on, they urged from the rear, outflank the enemy, then fall on him from backwards, straight into the melee. Then, mounted chariot warriors launched their heavy javelins at short range, beeing sure to kill each time, and after that, used a spear of their heavy sword in large blows. They could also leave the platform to fight on foot, and then, not waiting enemy reinforcement, jumped on their chariot not far away and then run fast as a lightning in a safer position. When tired of run out of ammo, they could also return back beyond their own line to resupply, and then run again. The sound of these chariots was also a psychological weapons, both for the soldiers and enemy cavalrymen, as their horses easily panicked.
RIGESSEDONES : Noble war chariots : Nobles and even perhaps the Verrix hismelf could have fought dismounted. This was the custom for many Belgian chieftain and the bellovaci were an example of this. The way of fightning of the Celtic war chariots was well described by Caesar. They were present in 300 bc in all major clashes which implied full-scaled armies. Well suited for flat terrains, Belgian chariots were a quite safer place for nobles than the front line, on foot. Coming at great speed from the rear of their own lines the strike in the confusion of the battle, from backwards and from the flanks. Spears, javelins, and sword became then as deadly as if they were used from a cavalryman. it was a familiar vision to see a crouching charioteer and behind, standing on the small platform, the nobleman, ready for action. The chariot was used as a fast transportation system, and when all javelins were fired, the noble usually fought on foot, at short distance from their chariot. When the danger was real and the noble was tired by a constant fight, the chariot bring him far way of safety for a moment, until he rides back. The whole game could last for a long. It has a strong psycholoical effect also. Death could strike everywhere, including from behind. Let should remember also that at this time (300 bc), the wekest troops were logically at the rear : Atecti (levied peasants) and Bagaudas spearmen, poorely trained peasant-warriors. Enemy noble warriors were usually fightning far beyond on the first line, but then, they could just urging from nowhere and delivers instant death in a terrific noise and incredible speed... An easy way to rout the whole rear-guard, and then strike the better elements, without this buffer of light troops, from backwards. Devastating. Although the use of war-chariots was old-fashioned on the continent, the Belgians from Britannia, still used them with a great efficience. The Bellovaci certainly used them at best in the great southern plains of the Sussex to rout lcal tribesmen and conquer the lands with ease.
BELGIAN AOR
EBURONES BATOROI : The Eburones were
REMI MAIREPOS : Remi cavalry was the most reputed amongst the Belgians. Although the Bellovaci army relied first on chariots on the battlefield and small groups pf mixed light cavalry and infantry in the germanic way, the Remi have a very efficient medium cavalry. These were versatile cavalrymen, comparable to heavy Gaiseporedia (Gaiso armed medium cavalrymen), relying on several weapons as gaiso javelins, a lance and their longsword (up to 90 cm from La Tene III). Their skills and reputation ere tremendous and several authors make mention of their efficience on the battlefield. As the Remi nation was a client from the Bellovaci, they were by far the best "regular" cavalry unit any Belgian army could have muster.
BRITISH ISLES :
At a date which is still a mystery, the Britannic isled were invaded by a massive Belgian (and especially Bellovaci) army. Before that, they were proably several punishing expeditions against piracy hostings, just as the Veneti, but never full-scale landings. The british islands were colonised during the late bronze age by Celtic from the very early, or very first indo-European migration. These first celtic wave was and thousand of years of isolation made these tribes more and more retarded compared to the continent. When the Belgians landed, it was almost the confrontation between conquistadors and Mayans. Accostumed to a very codified and organized, disciplined and hierarchical way of fightning, equipped with iron helmets and longswords, chainmails and large, reinforced shields, they had to face hundred of thousands of heavily tattoed and mysthical, high-spirited "blue demons", fightning nude or half-nude. However, this brutal face to face quickly ended with a conquest of all the south-eastern part of Britain. For a long, this corner remains "civilized", and oversea part of the "Belgian empire" of the Bellovaci. They integrated some of these peoples, like the Siluri, while hostile tribes remains isolated in the southwestern part (the gaels), and others all described later by the Romans as "Pictones", beyond the Thames. Here it is a part of this AOR, when available for the Belgians :
PICTONES TALMORES : Slingers were very common and formed a large part of the infantry. slings were easy to produce and stones were abundants everywhere and needed no formatting to be lethal. Archers were, by comparison, more limited by their ammo, equipment and skills. Slingers were more current among the Caledones and Gaels. They made excellent mercenaries and auxiliaries.
PICTONES SAITORES : Pict-Caledones archers were as common as forests, mostly in all the southern part of the British island. Naturally skilled hunters, they could be mustered by local chieftains like other infantrymen. They became appreciated auxiliaries for the belgians, at least those which lived at the border.
VELLINICA : Brythonic levies were common to the Gaels, Caledones and Goidils. They were cheap recruits, not accustomed to warfare but skilled enough by their harsh life to inflict damage. Most advantage came from their sheer numbers and excellent knoledge of their lands. Perfect ambushers, they needed simple shields and short spears to be effective in any case.
CALEDONI SCIOCEITHERNE : Caledonian javelineer warbands, living in the far north, were ancestors of the Scots and Picts. They remain half-savage tribesmen until the middle-age and were slowly civilized through Christianisation. For the Romans "Celedones" signified "tall and rude men". They were fierce opponents, practicing mostly an ambush warfare, well suited for the lands of thier fathers.
GODILIC AULUE : Goidils (derived from gwyddel) were a famous ancient people from actual Ireland. Like in many Celtic armies, spearmen-javelinme, were the most current infantry. They were well equipped, versatile, skilled, and high-spirited. They were of the oldest Hibernian root, not confounded with earliest iberian settlers which create the embryo for the future Dal Riada kindom.
KLADAKA (Or Cladaca) : Sword owners almost an elite among warriors. A sword was an honored weapon, difficult to built and only given to the most prestigious warriors around. Swords were always blessed by local priest and then, became like the vengeful arm of the gods, interceding in mortals life and only manned by those which were spared in battle and killed many enemies with bravery. The Kladaka were not only the bearers of their whole people hopes in battle, their own arme was "inspired by the gods" and their tattoes were made also to show and to make them recoignised from the gods as well from their mortal enemies on the battlefield. Cladaca would have not only given javelins and swod, but also a good shield and even a leather armor or helmet.
BRYTHONIC BOGIOVICES : Local chosen men made excellent auxiliaries for the Belgians, recently settled. Those who lived in the belgian territory could have been mixed, after a generation, with settlers, mosly because of their Celtic common ground. The Brythonic, originally southern Britannic inhabitants, were partly assimilated, others flee on the west, or melted with Pictish and Caledones. Native Brythonic, became after two or three generations, more "belgianized" while retainineg their own culture and dialect. Biogiovices were chosen auxiliaries, using hammers to punch enemy lines, like current Batoroi did.
FIANNA : These heavy spearmen were elite soldiers, by far he better a Goidilic chieftain can muster. They had large shields, long spears, swords, helmets, breastplates, all that a line heavy infantry could have. They would have been named also "chosen spearmen", and were usually the line battlehammer of the biggest Goidelic states, accustomed to a prolongated and organized from of warfare.
ORDOVICES : The ordo, "hammer" was the gallic name for this kind of weapon. Of course, blaksmith made excellent recruits, but chosen warrior amongst the Brythonic made impressive shock troops. Hammer bearer were less current than axe bearers, but still very efficient. They were a few, but their strenght was unmatched, and were a kind of champion, in an old tradition which survided today in scotland. They would have been also best at launching timber and rocks, traditional weapons of the poors and ambushers.
GOIDILIC EIRAS : Goidelic nobles and their guards were the best units of the british isles. Longwords, scaled and paddled armors, bronze shields, and helmets made them quite impossible to match for any opponent. Natural-born leaders and educated warriors, they would have been the most feared opponents any belgian host could have meet on the battlefield, if they had any will to conquer Hibernia...
