Cavaliers Scutum

The Scutum, or shield, was the main form of body protection of the Roman soldiers. It served the purpose to deflect missiles targeted at the soldiers, as well as protect them from the impact of hand held weapons yielded at them. The shields large size allowed the soldiers to form a “tustudo’ or shield wall that could protect them during an advance.

This style of shield with its handmade painted design was copied from a grave stele showing a legionary holding this type of shield.
Oval shields such as this were used by the Roman cavaly units. The oval design was much easier to use on horse back than the leigonary’s rectangular shield. The large size offered good protection to the soldier as well as the flank of the mount. The Roman Cavalry Clipeus (flat shield) is made of wood with a painted linen covered front. Edged all around with brass and finished with a central brass boss. Includes a traditional horizontal wood hand grip.