In the early days of ancient Rome (from the late regal period to the first part of the early republican period) Roman soldiers wore clipeus, which were like the aspides (ἀσπίδες), smaller (than the scutum) round shields used in the Greek hoplite phalanx. The hoplites were heavy infantrymen who originally wore bronze shields and helmets. Learn about the different types and features of Roman shields, such as scutum, parma and clipeus, and how they were used in battle and gladiatorial combat.
See examples, images and sources of these ancient weapons. Learn about the different types, features, and functions of Roman shields, from the wooden and leather scutum to the oval parma. Discover how the shields helped the Romans conquer and defend their empire, and see some examples and images of their designs.
Learn about the scutum, the curved, rectangular shield used by the legionaries in ancient Rome. Find out how it was made, what it looked like, and how it helped the Romans in battle. In the annals of Roman military history, few discoveries can rival the significance of the Roman legionary shield unearthed at the ancient city of Dura-Europos.
Found in the 1930s, this incredible artifact is the only known intact Roman legionary shield ever discovered, dating from the early 3rd century AD. Its preservation offers historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts an unprecedented. The Roman army issued it's soldiers a distinctive shield, called a scutum.
Key Takeaways: Roman soldiers used a shield called a scutum, which was lightweight, durable, and adorned with vibrant colors to intimidate enemies and inspire unity among soldiers. The scutum provided comprehensive protection, inspired future shield designs, and remained a vital part of Roman soldiers' identity throughout the empire's existence. Learn about the different types of Roman shields, such as the scutum, the parma, and the clipeus, and how they evolved over time.
Discover how Roman shields were made, decorated, and used in combat and ceremonies. The ancient Roman city of Dura-Europos in modern-day Syria has yielded an extraordinary archaeological discovery - the world's only surviving intact Roman legionary shield, known as a scutum. This remarkable 3rd century CE artifact provides invaluable insights into the military equipment and daily life of Roman soldiers.
Remarkably preserved in Dura-Europos' oxygen-deprived soil, the. The Roman Legionary Shield: A Symbol of Empire Emerging in the early days of the Roman Republic around the fourth century BC, the scutum, literally, 'shield', was a vitally important element of the soldier's arsenal and remained in use for hundreds of years. More than just a weapon, it was central to the expansion of the Roman Empire itself.
This is the story of the Roman legionary shield.