Hoplites of the Archaic Age

[Giannis K. Hoplite]

Probably his shield could have been "Beotean" type

I've read rather convincing arguements that the "Boetean" shield never existed. It's appearance on vases is an attempt by the artist to reconcile the round aspis with the Dyplon known fromearlier ages. Has anyone an opinion on this?

The dypilon shield existed in the 8th century bc and it's depicted on pottery very frequently,perhaps more than the round shield.And there is no reason to believe that after that it stopped being used totally. So even in the 7th century bc the shield,direct descendant of the fig.* shield could have existed in the armies. of course it would have the name of the "earlier" shield type as at that time the hoplite shield was being invented. And was being adopted fast. The dypilon probably had a central grip rahter than the porpax seen on vases,but this is not nessesary,evolution is always present,and it some times comes out with not so successful results. The few re-enactors who have handled boeotian/dypilo n shields say this type is not suitable for phalanx fighting. The statement that it "never existed" is a bit of an exageration. The artists througout the greek world use specific characteristics and are even followed in sculptures of marble and bronze. All in all,I think it was depicted more frequently than it was used,just because the depictions were highly heroic in the early archaic age. I also don't believe they were ever covere din bronze,like the hoplite shield was not either at that time.
Khaire
Giannis