Shield

A shield is a protective piece of equipment held in the hand with either a hand grip or an elbow grip. In antiquity, it was one of the most common elements of military equipment across various cultures. Typically, the base of the shield was made from wooden planks, and in the case of a hand grip, a central boss (umbo) was often used for ease of handling and to protect the hand. The edges of the shield were frequently reinforced with iron or brass.

The following types of shields were used in antiquity:

Scutum - A large, body-length shield used by legionaries and gladiators. It was typically either barrel-shaped or rectangular.

Clypeus - An oval shield used by auxiliary troops and cavalry.

Parma - A small, round shield used by the standard-bearers of the Roman army, gladiators, and cavalry.

Hoplon - A round shield without a central boss, used by hoplites.

A convex oval shield A convex oval shield used by Roman soldiers in the 3rd-4th centuries CE.

An exception to the standard classification of shield use in antiquity can be found with gladiators. Depending on their type, these warriors could use any of the above shields, as well as various modifications in shape, size, and design.

It is also important to note the shields of Celts and Germans. They had a variety of shapes, and could either be similar to Parma or clypeus, or very different,or even have a complex geometric shape. So, for example, there are finds with 3 umbons.

Related topics

Legion, Scutum, Clipeus, Parma, Hoplon, Shields of late Rome, Umbo