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Scutum

A Trio of Scutum

The Scutum is a shield carried by Roman soldiers. The Roman Centurion is shown carrying it, though it was not listed as one of his offensive weapons but it was tested in at least one test, it is shown being tested in the Aara test as part of the Centurion's armor set.

Description[]

The Scutum (Latin for "shield") is a rectangular, semi-cylindrical shield about four feet in height and two-and-a-half feet wide.

Uses[]

The Roman Triarii initially mimicked the Aspis to mimic the Greek phalanx. However the Roman shield gradually evolved into the rectangular Scutum in order to better protect against projectiles by making the shield taller.

Its large size and shape allowed soldiers to form sheild walls. Even in one-on-one combat, the Scutum provided it's user with excellent all-around protection. In the show, a demonstration of how the Scutum shield was used in combination with the Gladius sword for offensive purposes was shown in the show, although the shield's use wasn't taken into account.

The Samnites are credited with being the first to use the Pilum and Scutum in combat, only for the Romans to conquer and copy this tactic.

In addition to Roman soldiers, the Scutum was carried by the Murmillo-class of Gladiator.

The Celtic Iberians also used the Scutum in their wars against the Romans; including Iberian mercenaries used by Hannibal Barca.

Trivia[]

  • Centurion Scaeva received 230 holes (from arrows) in his Scutum shield during the 48 BC Battle of Dyrrhachium.
  • A leather shield was used to protect the Scutum from bad weather; Scutums could get warped, making them less sturdy and effective in combat. https://youtu.be/f_fpOUQcAac?t=278
  • The modern riot-control and SWAT shield resembles a Scutum as both are designed to work in large formations for almost full frontal protection.
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