Oval, circular and rectangular shapes were used throughout Roman history. The first depictions of the scutum are by the Este culture in the 8th century BC, and subsequently spread to the Italians, Illyrians, and Celts.

The Roman scutum was the iconic red Roman shield used by Roman legionaries in battle.

Aug 20, 2019 · 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.

Scutum from Dura-Europos Detail. 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] The city was besieged by the Sassanids in 256, eventually captured and destroyed.

Feb 25, 2024 · It was here, during excavations in the 1920s and 1930s, that archaeologists unearthed a relic of unparalleled significance—the Dura-Europos scutum. This artifact, housed today in the Yale University Art Gallery, provides a rare, tangible connection to the Roman legionaries, known largely through texts and second-hand accounts.

The standard scutum most people associate with the Roman Legions of the 1st Century was semi-cylindrical in shape, large enough to reach from the shoulder to the knees and protected half of the body. It was light enough to be carried on a long march and in heavy battle.

May 26, 2024 · In this in-depth guide, we‘ll explore the major types of Roman shields and how they helped shape one of the most formidable fighting forces in history. The scutum was the shield par excellence of the Roman heavy infantry.

Aug 13, 2010 · In close combat, the Roman legionary used his scutum to batter an enemy or deflect blows while seeking an opening to stab his opponent in the torso with gladius or pugio (dagger).

Of the Roman legionaries’ equipment, scutum was the most prominent feature and constituted their primary protective armament. Soldiers carried it in their left hand during the fight and hung it on her back with a thong around her neck.

Dec 9, 2024 · Archaeologists found the skeletons of 19 Roman soldiers, complete with all their weapons and armor — including the scutum — in a tunnel under a fortification tower. While these soldiers may...

Feb 21, 2025 · Part of Yale’s extensive collections, a unique example of a Roman scutum presents the iconography of victory. What to know: This Roman scutum, the only known surviving example of the shields used by Roman legionaries, was found in Syria at Dura-Europos, once a Roman garrison, and dates to around 256 C.E.

Jun 5, 2024 · 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.

The ancient Roman city of Dura-Europos in modern-day Syria has yielded an extraordinary archaeological discovery – the world’s only surviving intact Roman legionary shield, known as a scutum. This remarkable 3rd century CE artifact provides invaluable insights into the military equipment and daily life of Roman soldiers.

Apr 24, 2014 · This need gave rise to the scutum, a simple yet effective design that the Roman Army used during the end of the republic, all the way through 300 AD. Making the scutum strong enough to take repeated sword blows, yet light enough to be carried over long journeys was a …

Jun 3, 2017 · Adrian Goldsworthy provides a good description of a Roman shield, called a scutum, in his book The Complete Roman Army on page 129. A well-preserved shield was found at Dura Europus that dates from the 3rd century.

The scutum (Latin: Scutum, plural: Scuta) is a type of large or tower shield widely used in antiquity, initially by some ethnic groups of the Italian peninsula and later, from the 4th century BC, by the Roman army.

A scutum is a shield. The plural form is scuta. There are many options for scutum size, shape, and materials. The "standard" specifications are given below in bold, followed by options and explanations. At the end is a summary of historical evidence for the scutum.

Scutum (/ ˈ s k uː t əm /; plural scuta) is the Latin word for "shield", although it has in modern times come to be specifically associated with the rectangular, semi-cylindrical body shield carried by Roman legionaries.

May 12, 2024 · At the core of the Roman military organization, the scutum serves as more than just a tool for protection. Its rectangular shape, crafted from wood and hide, shows symbolic decorations that reflect the pride and identity of Roman soldiers.

Oval, circular and rectangular shapes were used throughout Roman history. The first depictions of the scutum are by the Este culture in the 8th century BC, and subsequently spread to the Italians, Illyrians, and Celts.