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Plate 8: Celtic bronze shield, originally gilt, 2nd century AD. In the British Museum. Height 78 cm. Crow shield Wooden war shield from the Trobriand Islands, painted with serpents, birds, and stars in typical Massim style; in the British Museum
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shield

armor
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Plate 8: Celtic bronze shield, originally gilt, 2nd century AD. In the British Museum. Height 78 cm.
Plate 8: Celtic bronze shield, originally gilt, 2nd century AD. In the British Museum. Height 78 cm.

A shield is a piece of defensive armor carried on the arm, or anything that provides protection or defense. Historically, shields have been used for hunting and warfare, evolving in size and composition based on tactical needs.12

Types of Shields

  • Ancient Greek Hoplite Shield: A convex, circular shield about 3 feet in diameter, made of wood and bronze. It was carried on the left arm.2
  • Roman Republic Shield: An oval shield, used by soldiers fighting with a spear.2
  • Imperial Roman Legionnaire Shield: A large, cylindrical shield called a scutum, made of leather-clad wood, designed to cover most of the body.2

Shields have also been adapted into protective gear for various activities, serving as barriers or covers.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
2 Britannica Sources
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  2. military technology - Shields

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