The shield is a defensive weapon for protection against offensive weapons. The medieval shields are part of the wartime history of all time.
The Byzantines used the oval cut shield mainly; the Normans used an almond-shaped shield, with edged bottom in order to stick it in the ground; since the end of s. XIII until s. XVI, equilateral triangle shaped shield was used.
The Medieval Shields we know today are mostly decorative and painted with logos, coats of arms, heraldry and badges of famous historical warriors and their families; nevertheless, functional pieces are manufactured, with straps for the arm and they are used by recreationists.
Basically we can cite different types of shields, such as:
- Adarga: Oval shaped shield with two sheets of leather sewn together;
- Broquel: Small, circular shield;
- Aspis: Greek infantry shield;
- Clípeo: Large circular shield used by Greeks and Romans;
- Pavés: Oblong shield, used by the Roman “turtle (tortoise) formation” as the Scutum. Also used in the Middle Ages;
- Rodela: Metal round shield used in the Middle Ages;
- Targe: Scottish shield;
- Tarja: Middle Age shield that covered the entire body;
- Scutum: Typical shield used by Roman legionaries.
