12-29-2007, 01:18 AM
Yes, the Vatican shield is almost certainly a battle shield (albeit Etruscan)...there is nothing about it to suggest 'ceremonial' - and I have strong doubts that there was such a thing in Graeco-Roman times, with one or two rare exceptions, and it is without a doubt carved from solid wood.
The rim had a complex construction method, re-inforced with a kind of strut.
The laminated aspides that came later c. 4 th century BC were thinner and lighter, and an obvious development in the evolution of the Aspis.
The rim had a complex construction method, re-inforced with a kind of strut.
The laminated aspides that came later c. 4 th century BC were thinner and lighter, and an obvious development in the evolution of the Aspis.
"dulce et decorum est pro patria mori " - Horace
(It is a sweet and proper thing to die for ones country)
"No son-of-a-bitch ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" - George C Scott as General George S. Patton
Paul McDonnell-Staff
(It is a sweet and proper thing to die for ones country)
"No son-of-a-bitch ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" - George C Scott as General George S. Patton
Paul McDonnell-Staff