Did Celtic women fight in battle?

The ancient Celts were known for their fierce warrior reputation, as evidenced by their sack of Rome in 390 B.C. and their meeting with Alexander the Great during his conquests. Archaeological evidence shows that weapons are frequently found in Celtic graves, leading some to question whether women also fought in battles. Recent genetic studies have suggested that elite Celtic women held powerful roles and that maternal lines may have passed power down through generations.

Some experts believe it is possible that Celtic women fought in battle, although this remains a debated topic among scholars. One piece of evidence comes from ancient Roman historian Ammianus Marcellinus, who wrote that "a whole group of foreigners cannot stand against one of them in a quarrel if he involves his wife, stronger than him by far and flashing-eyed."

However, it is unclear if this refers to actual warfare. Archaeological evidence from Britain also supports the idea that some women were buried with daggers or spears, while a 2021 study found osteological evidence of women participating in combat at three Iron Age hillforts. While it is possible that Celtic women fought in battle, it remains uncertain whether this was a regular occurrence or if it was limited to specific situations.