Roman Legionary Scutum - Raw Hide Covered

Dura Europos 3rd Century AD. 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.

The Praetorians used the oval shield early in their history is guaranteed by the tombstone from Aquileia. They were in continuous use into the reign of Domitian (AD 81-96). This has been taken to contrast with the rectangular scutum adopted universally by the legions in the first half of the 1st Century. By the end of the 2nd century, both public and private monuments show a return to the oval shield for both Legionaries and Pretorians, although a 3rd Century example of Dura Eoropos proves that the rectangular scutum did survive.

Dura Europos 3rd C. Legionary Scutum

The Dura Europos scutum, is held by some to be a 'parade' item, on the grounds of its elaborate paintwork and relatively thin construction. Elaborate painted battle shields were characteristic of earlier Mediterranean armies; and today we may place too high a 'rarity value' on skilled painting to appreciate its availability in the ancient world.- Dan Peterson

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