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 nor was it shown being tested. It was however shown in the Aara test with the Centurions 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 Scutum was as important to the Roman legion as the Aspis was to the Greek phalanx. 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.

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