First mentioned by name in AD 297, the Picts inhabited Northern Britain from the end of the 3rd century AD to the 9th. They rose to power in the devastation following Emperor Septimus Severus's repression of the Caledonians in AD 208, and dominated Northern Britain for over 500 years, before vanishing mysteriously. The Picts represent a high point of Celtic civilisation, remaining free and unconquered beyond the borders of the Roman world, and rising to become the first barbarians to form a recognisable 'nation'. This title takes a detailed look at their origins, and examines Pictish heroic and warrior society, covering education and training, appearance and equipment, the status of women, and the experience of battle.

Paul Wagner has had a life-long interest in Pictish and Caledonian culture, encompassing both social and military history. He has spent many years personally researching key aspects, from weaponry and tactics to art and social mores. A native of New South Wales, Australia, he is currently studying for a PhD in natural history.

Introduction · Who were the Picts? · The Pictish foundation · myth · Chronology · Pictish Heroic Society · Matrilinear Succession · Education and Training · Pictish Warrior Bands · Appearance and equipment · Arms and Armour · Pictish Tattoos · The Naked Pict · Pictish Spirituality · The Way of the Warrior · The Hunt and the Feast · The Experience of Battle · The Raid · The Pictish Army · Preparation for battle · Battle is joined · Y Gododdin · The aftermath of battle · The Fall of the Picts · The Remains of the Picts · Glossary · Selected Bibliography · Colour Plate Commentary · Index