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]

May 24, 2022 · Contrary to popular belief, the roman shield of “scutum” was made from long planks that were bound together in a semi-circular cocoon around the soldier. Many may assume that these large convex squares were crafted from the finest iron and steel denarii can buy.

The scutum, from the Latin term for "shield" was the iconic large Roman shield held by the soldiers in a Roman legion.

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.

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.

Feb 25, 2024 · What is the Scutum? This semi-cylindrical shield, dating from the mid-3rd century AD and referred to as a scutum, was utilized by the legionaries of the Roman Empire. Scutum from Dura-Europos. Credits: Wikipedia, Public Domain The Discovery of a Legend

This scutum is the sole surviving example of the distinctive semi-cylindrical shields used by Roman legionaries, a design known from historical accounts but never before seen in physical form.

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.

Sep 6, 2022 · Hoplitic shields from tombs of the Hellenistic necropolis of Vergina, show two layers of linen glued with pitch and externally coated with a mixture of plaster, white clay and glue, which obtained the result of giving consistency and protection to the fabric covering.