The scutum (Classical Latin: [ˈskuːt̪ʊ̃]; pl.: scuta) was a type of shield used among Italic peoples in antiquity, most notably by the army of ancient Rome starting about the fourth century BC. [1]

While oval and circular shields were used in the Roman military by different members of the armed forces and at varying times during the entire period of ancient Rome, the curved, rectangular scutum was the primary protective shield used by the legionaries during the height of Rome's military dominance in the Mediterranean region and the ...

Found flattened and in thirteen pieces, this shield was reconstructed by the excavation team. Although much of the resulting object is modern, it remains an important example of the classic semi-cylindrical shield known as a scutum, used by Roman legionaries and known from literary sources; no other examples outside Dura-Europos have been found.

2024年2月25日 · Its semicylindrical shape, crafted to cover the soldier's body from shoulder to knee, was revolutionary. Unlike the flat shields of their adversaries, the scutum offered enhanced protection, allowing Roman soldiers to form the Testudo formation, a defensive tactic likened to a tortoise shell that was nearly impervious to arrows and projectiles.

2024年12月9日 · This tall, semi-cylindrical shield, which is in the collection of the Yale University Art Gallery, is one of the few surviving examples of a Roman "scutum," the most popular shield type...

The scutum from Dura-Europos is the only surviving semi-cylindrical shield from Roman times. It is now in the Yale University Art Gallery (inventory number 1933.715). The shield was found in the excavation campaign of 1928/37 on Tower 19 of Dura-Europos (in present-day Syria). [ 1 ]

2019年8月20日 · This mid 3rd century AD semi-cylindrical shield is known as a scutum and was used by legionary soldiers of the Roman Empire. Constructed of thin strips of wood glued together in layers to create a plywood board, the surface is covered with red-dyed hide or parchment.

This is the only known surviving example of the semicylindrical shield known as a scutum, used by Roman legionaries and known from literary sources. Found flattened, in thirteen pieces, and missing its umbo (central boss), the shield was reconstructed by the …

2024年5月26日 · The scutum was the shield par excellence of the Roman heavy infantry. Polybius, the 2nd century BC Greek historian, describes the scutum as "shaped like a cylinder cut in half lengthwise, with a width of two and a half feet and a length of four feet or four feet three inches for the largest" (Histories, 6.23.2-3).

2024年6月5日 · Alongside the famous gladius sword, the Roman legionary shield, known as the scutum, stands as the quintessential symbol of the Roman Empire’s military prowess and tactical ingenuity. Initially conceived as an oval shield, Roman shield designs evolved to meet the needs of Rome’s formidable legions into the more recognisable curved, semi ...