[1][2] Polybius and Plutarch describe the Gaesatae as mercenaries called in from Transalpine regions by the Insubres and the Boii, who enticed them with promises of considerable plunder.
However, most scholars theorize that the Gaesatae were not a single ethnic group but rather bands of Gaulish warriors, often from mountainous or less fertile regions, who hired themselves out for warfare.
[9] The stem gaisat- can also be found in the Gaulish proper nouns Gaesatus, Gesatus, Gesatius, or Gesatia, as well as in the compound Gesato-rix, meaning 'king-spear', or 'king-javelin'.
[13] The appearance and the gestures of the naked warriors in front, 8 all in the prime of life, and finely built men, and all in the leading companies richly adorned with gold torques and armlets.
[17] According to some scholars, the Gaesatae may be identified as precursors of the Allobroges, a Gallic people who first appeared in the same region only a few years later, in connection with Hannibal's crossing of the Alps in 218 BC.
[4][5][3] James MacKillop has compared the ancient Gaesatae with the medieval Irish fianna, who were mythical small war-bands of landless young men operating independently of any kingdom.