Hoplites of the Archaic Age

[Giannis K. Hoplite]

The 8th century dipylon shield appears to have had two supporting stripes crossing in the center of the shield and ending in either side of the two holes. This is clear evidence that the dipylon shield existed in the 8th century and that what Chris points ut about its strength was indeed discovered by the ancients. However that shield was constructed like a pelte and thus the wooden support would add considerable strength compared to the rest of the shield. But in such a shield construction a porpax was unlikely to have been stable enough.
Khairete
Giannis