From accounts from the wars in Italy to the invasion of Germania, it seems that families/non-combatants were a significant factor in the structure of Celtic armies. In some cases, the number of non-combatants been 30% or higher of the overall army. My interpretation is that were functioned in three different ways. In all cases their role seemed to have as spectators, there to 'egg' their men-folk on. There seems to have been three separate roles ...
1/. As mobs, hordes, etc standing around essentially making up the numbers. the current definition as Tribal Loose, Poor, Unprotected, no weapon or shooting ability is fine, but maximums should be increased; (suggest 360). This would be applicable for the Roman invasions in Italy, Britain and Germany, which were fire and sword missions intended on genocide or destruction of a tribe.
2/. In battles such as Telamon, and almost all migrations, the families and non-combatants were sent to the wagon lager - which I suggest could be interpreted as fortified or protected camp, )although not defined as such in Gallic or German lists).
3/. Finally, in battles of Watling Street and the Cimbrian wars - the families etc occupied wagons which formed the rear lines of the Germans or British. There were apparently huge numbers of these (at Watling Street - enough to prevent any of the British army escaping, and at the Raudian Plains, apparently over 30,000 women and others). Am interested how they should be defined - and if they should be included in British and Early German lists ?
Compulsory impassable terrain?
Quoteenough to prevent any of the British army escaping
What a British national army before England existed ?? 8)