Oval Roman Scutum

Description of the Product

A Roman infantryman was without exception protected by a Scutum, a large shield. The oval shape was in wide use in Italy as the Roman Empire began forming in 700 BCE, and was thus a natural choice for the Roman soldier. With time the legionnaires made a transition to rectangular shaped shields, used from around 0 CE until 150 CE. After this the oval shape was reinstated and remained the shape until the fall of the empire. The cavalry never made the transition to the rectangular shape, but stayed with the oval and round shape shields. This wooden oval shield is covered front and back with leather and is historically accurate from 100 CE all the way to the fall of the empire. It has a black steel boss with gold leather wings and lightning on the curved face. Arm straps and leather covered handle on the back. Can be seen in the HBO Production - Rome.

58 cm x 99 cm (23” x 39”), 1.2 cm (5/16”) thick. Weight 3.5kg (7 lbs 4 oz).