Auxilia shields what options are there?

[Folkert van Wijk]

I think the designs on the auxiliary shields from Trajan's Column look similar to the designs seen on the celtic shields on the Arch of Orange because they were both sculpted by artists following Roman artistic conventions.

These TC designs may not be realistic representations of specific shield designs. I am sure they used the same motifs as would be found on actual shields, but I doubt the artists were provided with real shields for reference.

As for the celtic shields on the Arch of Orange, these seem even less likely to be accurate. The shield designs do not follow the La Tène style, as celtic equipment should. They look more like a Roman idea of barbarian art. Actually, the one shield featuring a pair of birds does look to be in the La Tène style. However, I remember the others looking quite Roman in style. I'll have to look at them again. L’Arc d ’Orange, by Robert Amy is a good reference for photos and drawings.

That's exactly what I am thinking, well spoken!! :wink: :wink: