Quote Originally Posted by octavian
rofl!

actually, iirc, being shirtless might not be so totally incorrect, as far as the Historical standpoint (at least as far as the barbarians are concerned). after all, being shirtless, and therefore unarmoured, was a sign of bravery. others know better than me though, so will leave it at that and let them have there say.
Actually, some celts would indeed fight nude (like the Gaesati) as a way of portraying their bravery and disdain towards the enemy. However, this was not a "unanimous" practice but one that applied to a minority. Most of the fighters who weren't wealthy enough to afford their own armour would fight with their regular clothes on, often with very warm, woolen ones in the winter.
This is even more so with the Germans.