What You Need To Know About Buying Roman Shields

Two thousand years ago, the Romans were one of the greatest military powers in the world—and the armor, weapons, and shields they used contributed greatly to their strength. You can experience a taste of that history for yourself by ordering a replica Roman shield.

Large Shields

If you want to buy Roman shields, then it’s important to know about different shield types. The scutum, a curved rectangular shield that could cover a soldier’s entire body, was essential for infantry units. These shields were used to construct a number of formations, such as the phalanx (which created a wall which pushed enemy soldiers back) or the tortoise (which placed shields overhead to protect soldiers from arrows and spears). A scutum was often decorated to identify a soldier as belonging to a particular unit; red, gold, and black were popular colors that matched Roman uniforms.

Specialty Shields

Another popular type of shield was the buckler, also called a parma, which was lightweight and carried by archers. This was usually small and perfectly round, making it much more portable and suitable for less intense fighting.Off the battlefield, it was used by many gladiators in area combat.

An oval shield (also called a clipe us) or hexagonal shield was less common, but could still be found in ancient Rome. Specially decorated shields were used by the Praetorian Guard, which provided personal security for the Emperor himself.

Important Considerations

There are many options if you’re looking for a recreation of a Roman military shield. Some shields are made out of wood, which is very historically accurate but not highly durable, while others are made out of extremely strong 18-gauge steel. Both versions are lightweight and easy to carry. You should make sure that the shields you choose are full-sized and carefully designed with realism in mind.

Possible Uses

What can you do with a Roman shield? While they make excellent collectable or decorative items for history buffs, they can also be used in a wide variety of situations. They can make appearances in stage, film, or media productions, or they can be used in historical reenactments. Shields like these are also great for cos playing, Halloween costumes, or even LARPing (live-action role-playing). The options are nearly limitless.

If you want to purchase a Roman shield, then you should be sure that you pick a top-quality model. Figure out what type of shield you’re looking for, and ensure that it’s well-constructed. With a little research and the right supplier, you should be able to find the perfect shield for your needs.

John Trinh has been writing for 10+ years. He first delved into the world of writing when he wrote his first article for his university's paper.