PRE-HISTORY BODYGUARD

At the start there were hunters,
Then came farmers…
Then with something to be gained by barter;
Prostitutes and politicians.

Given some debate about precedence…
Those were the first four human endeavours.

But soon as something can be gained…
It must be protected.
Hence – the fifth – profession
The Comitatus.

During the time in pre-history when tribes of the Celtic people roamed across Europe, the Chief’s of the tribes always had bodyguards. The latin word for this occupation was ‘comitatus‘.

Webster Dictionary: The retinue of a prince or Chieftan, acting as companions and protectors in exchange for maintenance.

Celtic Definition: Such men were rewarded mostly by the honour of being the Chief’s champions, but they would also receive gifts of gold, land or cattle, depending on what the Chief could afford to give away.

There was thus a direct connection between courage and wealth. To be brave could make a man rich; conversely, the wealthier the Chief, the better the warriors he could attract.

The Greek historian Polybius (appox 150 BC) described how important it was for Celtic Chiefs to have a strong following, how the Chief who had the greatest number of dependants and champions was the most feared and most powerful member of the tribe…known as Pendragon.