Evidence suggests that Celtic chariots were a form of warfare that the Romans had serious problems with. Polybius, in his accounts of the battle of Telamon in 225 BC., reports that the Gauls had 20,000 cavalry and chariots. This was the last reference to the use of chariots on the mainland. By the time Caesar encountered them in Britain, the method of fighting against the chariot had been forgotten. Diodorus said that the chariot was drawn by two horses, and could carry a driver and a warrior. In battle the driver controlled the chariot, whilst the warrior would throw javelins. Caesar admired the charioteer's skills and described their use against cavalry with great effect, and only against infantry in short skirmishes.

Copper alloy, 1.73 Kg; terrets 5 1/2 - 6 1/4 inch. Mid 1st Century A.D. An extremely large and rare set of Iron age terret fittings from a Romano-Celtic warrior’s 'Biga', with British upturned crescent design. There are two large ornate reign guide fittings from the yoke; one large central terret pole from the front of the chariot; two front bar mounts; and two decorative wheel caps. A rare group of artefacts from a high status chariot burial. Excavated in Hampshire at the end of the 19th Century. A massive group of artefacts with a superb silky green patination. A beautifully preserved group.

Copper alloy, 1.73 Kg; terrets 5 1/2 - 6 1/4 inch. Mid 1st Century A.D. An extremely large and rare set of Iron age terret fittings from a Romano-Celtic warrior’s 'Biga', with British upturned crescent design. There are two large ornate reign guide fittings from the yoke; one large central terret pole from the front of the chariot; two front bar mounts; and two decorative wheel caps. A rare group of artefacts from a high status chariot burial. The contents of this chariot grave would probably have come from a rectangular barrow which was an integral part of the chariot complex. There would have been a mortuary house associated with the funerary ritual, probably allied to the chariot grave. There would have been other pits and structures, all with burial goods associated with the complex. It is considered likely the mortuary house was linked with the funerary ritual of the chariot complex and probably housed the body during the funebrial [sic; funereal] feast and ritual prior to burial in the chariot barrow’s grave. Ref: Design similar to inferior examples in Benet's Artefacts p 92-93, I150111 & I150112. From the deceased estate of Jennifer Simmonds, a dealer and collector of coins and archaeological artefacts, who traded under the name of "Jennie the Pedlar". Sold at James & Hunt auctioneers, Petersfield, Hants. Excavated in Hampshire at the end of the 19th Century. A massive group of artefacts with a superb silky green patination. A beautifully preserved group.