Scutum

  • The Scutum was a Roman Shield used by the Legionaries of the Roman Army.

Description

  • The shield was a large curved rectangle, about 42 inches (1.06 m) high and 34 inches (0.86m) around the curve.
  • It was made of a laminate composition using three sheets of wood glued together.
  • The shield only weighed 22 lbs (10 kgs), so that it could be held with one hand, and completely covered the Legionary’s body.
  • A boss in the centre meant it could also be used as a weapon to knock down an opponent.

 

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