LEG·X·FRET
Make Roma Great Again
ru | en

Parma

Parma — a round shield in ancient Rome. Sometimes you can find a diminutive form of the word "parmula "(parmula). Parma was made similarly to the clipeus from several layers of wooden boards,which were covered with leather. It was a wooden disk with a diameter of 50-100 cm,sometimes slightly bent. The edge was reinforced with metal edging (iron or brass),and a metal umbon was installed in the center to protect the brush (see scutum. There was a handle on the inside. Parma was part of the equipment of the soldiers of the legion banner group,auxilia,as well as horsemen: parma equestris — "cavalry parma". With the help of parma,the ancient Roman gladiators hoplomachus and equites could defend Hoplomachus Gladiator Equites themselves.

Painted round shield from Dura-Europos. Mythological and military scenes on the shield show that protective equipment could be brightly decorated.Painted round shield from Dura-Europos. Mythological and military scenes on the shield show that protective equipment could be brightly decorated.
Parma,reconstructionParma,reconstruction
Flag bearers with parmas. Trajan's column. Early 2nd century ADFlag bearers with parmas. Trajan's column. Early 2nd century AD

Related topics

Legion,Shield,Scutum,Clipeus

Literature

Parma,shield // Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additions). - St. Petersburg,1890-1907. William Smith,BCL.,LL.D.:A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities,John Murray,London,1875. Parma

Drawing of the oval shield from Dura-Europos after the excavation publication. The drawing shows curvature, boards and boss placement better than the colour photograph.Drawing of the oval shield from Dura-Europos after the excavation publication. The drawing shows curvature, boards and boss placement better than the colour photograph.
Painted oval shield from Dura-Europos, general view. The image helps show the shape, curvature and placement of decoration on a wooden base.Painted oval shield from Dura-Europos, general view. The image helps show the shape, curvature and placement of decoration on a wooden base.
Parma from Dura Europos (Syria). 3rd century ADParma from Dura Europos (Syria). 3rd century AD
Parma from Dura Europos (Syria). 3rd century ADParma from Dura Europos (Syria). 3rd century AD
Parma from Dura Europos (Syria). 3rd century ADParma from Dura Europos (Syria). 3rd century AD

Interested in Ancient Rome beyond reading? Join Legio X Fretensis or explore our reenactment directions.