But when the javelineers advanced, as is their usage, from the ranks of the Roman legions and began to hurl their javelins in well-aimed volleys, the Celts in the rear ranks indeed were well protected by their trousers and cloaks,
but it fell out far otherwise than they had expected with the naked men in front, and they found themselves in a very difficult and helpless predicament.
For the Gaulish shield does not cover the whole body; so that their nakedness was a disadvantage, and the bigger they were<note place="end" resp="tr" id="note5"><emph rend="bold">so that their nakedness was a disadvantage, and the bigger they were. . .:</emph>Literally "so that the more naked and the bigger they were. . ."</note>the better chance had the missiles of going home.
At length, unable to drive off the javelineers owing to the distance and the hail of javelins, and reduced to the utmost distress and perplexity, some of them, in their impotent rage, rushed wildly on the enemy and sacrificed their lives, while others, retreating step by step on the ranks of their comrades, threw them into disorder by their display of faint-heartedness.
Thus was the spirit of the Gaesatae broken down by the javelineers;
but the main body of the Insubres, Boii, and Taurisci, once the javelineers had withdrawn into the ranks and the Roman maniples attacked them, met the enemy and kept up a stubborn hand-to-hand combat.
For, though being almost cut to pieces, they held their ground, equal to their foes in courage, and inferior only, as a force and individually, in their arms.
The Roman shields, it should be added, were far more serviceable for defence and their swords for attack, the Gaulish sword being only good for a cut and not for a thrust.
But finally, attacked from higher ground and on their flank by the Roman cavalry, which rode down the hill and charged them vigorously, the Celtic infantry were cut to pieces where they stood, their cavalry taking to flight.
Walbank Commentary