The introduction of the scutum in the 4th century BC revolutionized the way the Romans fought. Instead of being purely defensive, the shield became a weapon in its own right.

Using the top edge or boss to punch an opponent, or the lower rim to smash down on their feet, it served to unbalance an enemy and allow the sword to do its work. The versatility of the scutum was characterized by the testudo, a formation the Romans used offensively like a pedestrian tank. Meanwhile, other shield types equipped the auxiliaries who fought alongside the legionaries. The curved, rectangular scutum survived into the 3rd century AD, only to be replaced by an oval, slightly domed shield derived from the oval shields of Early Imperial auxiliaries.

Drawing together historical accounts, excavated artefacts and the results of the latest scientific analyses of the boards and fittings, renowned authority M.C. Bishop reveals the development, technology, training and use of the scutum and other Roman shield types.

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The Roman shield, the scutum, was central to the Romans’ conquest of the known world. This study draws on up-to-date research to reveal the history of this iconic equipment.

Introduction
Legionary Shields
Auxiliary Shields
Gladiatorial Shields
Manufacture and Decoration
Use
Bibliography
Index

The Roman shield, the scutum, was central to the Romans’ conquest of the known world. This study draws on up-to-date research to reveal the history of this iconic equipment.
The shield was a vital part of the Roman soldier’s armament and the curved rectangular scutum in particular has become a key symbol of Rome at war in the ancient world.

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9781472839626
Publisert
2020-08-20
Utgiver
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC; Osprey Publishing
Vekt
247 gr
Høyde
246 mm
Bredde
182 mm
Dybde
4 mm
Aldersnivå
G, P, 01, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
64

Forfatter
Illustratør

Om bidragsyterne

Writer, publisher and archaeologist M.C. Bishop is an authority of all aspects of Ancient Rome at war, with particular emphasis on arms and armour of the era. He has written, co-written or edited dozens of books and articles on the subject, including volumes on the gladius and pilum for the Osprey Weapons series, and leads tours of Hadrian’s Wall and other Roman sites.

Giuseppe Rava was born in Faenza in 1963, and took an interest in all things military from an early age. Entirely self-taught, Giuseppe has established himself as a leading military history artist and is inspired by the works of the great military artists, such as Detaille, Meissonier, Röchling, Lady Butler, Ottenfeld and Angus McBride. He lives and works in Italy.