Boeotian/Dipylon Shield

[hoplite14gr]

When the phalanx was tightened with the round shields the beotian shield seemed to be inferior in phalanx fighting.

Stefanos, do you recall any specific reasons as to why that might be?

Well I might be speculating but the havy wooden argolic shield had the edge on the phalanx crash over leather, wicker or bronze sheet beotian shields. Most of the beotian shields would leave the face exposed if held horizontaly...not to mention the down scalop leaving the groin open ...to danger! In packed formations the "Beotian" is less manauverable than round shield or scutum.
Kind regards