Oval Scutum in use 1st Century A.D.?

[scamander]

Just to add something, fighting at close quarters with a short sword means you are closer to the enemy when engaging and a rectangular scutum gives far better protection in this situation. It means the enemy has a tougher time getting a strike in to either side, they have to make a more exaggerated movement in getting around you which opens them up for what the gladius was made to do.

I've used both shapes and the rectangular curved scutum offers far more protection this way. This doesn't presuppose any evidence, but I thought it worth mentioning although I suspect many on here already know this.