Feasting, Status and WarThe feast was an important element in the structure of Celtic society. These social gatherings, given by the king or the noble elite, were usually wild and drunken, sometimes deadly, and often with ritual significance. They were attended by both free men and women, whose presence was obligatory. A strict ceremonial procedure was observed with regard to precedence and hospitality. Seating was arranged according to rank and was divided between the high-status guests who sat in the hall and the less prosperous and younger who remained outside … Strangers were allowed to share the meal before being asked their name and business. Food and drink were served according to status. Traditionally, the greatest warrior received the choicest cut of pork, the champion’s portion of the thigh piece. This was the moment when any other warrior had the right to dispute his position and challenge him. Drunkenness would often cause other disputes that would escalate into more serious violence. Poseidonius writes:
The Celts sometimes engage in single combat at dinner. Assembling in arms, they engage in mock battle drill and mutual thrust and parry. Sometimes wounds are inflicted and the irritation caused by this may even lead to the killing of the opponent unless they are held back by friends. When the hindquarters are served up, the bravest takes the thigh piece; if another man claims it they stand up and fight in single combat to the death. (Histories, quoted by Athenaeus)