12-02-2010, 05:14 PM
Ave!
Been here?
http://www.larp.com/legioxx/scutum.html
The short answer is that we have no short answers, unfortunately! Sizes and construction details seem to have varied quite a bit. The framing or reinforcing strips on the back may have been optional (I make them rectangular, not curved like the side of the shield).
What we call the "Augustan" style (or just "curve-sided") may just be the result of making the old Republican oval shield shorter so that it could be slung on the back more easily, without bumping the legs or interfering with the pack pole. So it's possible that it first appeared during Marius' time, though we can't prove that. We do know it was still being used into the 2nd century AD, since it is seen on Trajan's Column right alongside the rectangular style.
That what you're looking for? Vale,
Matthew
Been here?
http://www.larp.com/legioxx/scutum.html
The short answer is that we have no short answers, unfortunately! Sizes and construction details seem to have varied quite a bit. The framing or reinforcing strips on the back may have been optional (I make them rectangular, not curved like the side of the shield).
What we call the "Augustan" style (or just "curve-sided") may just be the result of making the old Republican oval shield shorter so that it could be slung on the back more easily, without bumping the legs or interfering with the pack pole. So it's possible that it first appeared during Marius' time, though we can't prove that. We do know it was still being used into the 2nd century AD, since it is seen on Trajan's Column right alongside the rectangular style.
That what you're looking for? Vale,
Matthew
Matthew Amt (Quintus)
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
