Bloomsbury Home
Roman Shields
This product is usually dispatched within 12 weeks
- Delivery and returns info
-
Flat rate of $10.00 for shipping anywhere in Australia
Description
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.
Table of Contents
Legionary Shields
Auxiliary Shields
Gladiatorial Shields
Manufacture and Decoration
Use
Bibliography
Index
Product details
| Published | 29 Sep 2020 |
|---|---|
| Format | Paperback |
| Edition | 1st |
| Extent | 64 |
| ISBN | 9781472839626 |
| Imprint | Osprey Publishing |
| Illustrations | Black & white and colour photos. |
| Dimensions | 248 x 184 mm |
| Series | Elite |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
Related Titles
