The emblem of the outer surface of the Greek shield was originally a personal choice of its owner, because each soldier used to buy and upkeep his equipment himself. The artistry of Aspis: Reflection of the owner’s taste If the hoplite shield had a flat surface, then the fighter would be at risk from side blows.įurthermore, the shape of the Greek shield allowed the soldier to keep the enemy away from his torso while at the same time enabling him to handle it efficiently to repel the attacks and the assault weapons. The torso of the hoplite was almost fully enclosed by the hollow interior, effectively protecting him also from the sides. This way the shield did not leave any parts of the body of the warrior uncovered nor did it hinder his vision. The circular shape of the Greek shield followed the movements of the arm that was holding it, because its round surface revolved around its center whatever the position of the arm or forearm. The circular shape of Greek Shield: Reasons and significance The inner part of the perimeter of the Greek shield made it easier for the soldiers to hang it from their shoulders by the suspension straps during the long hours of marching. Since this lamina was flat, it served to prevent the tips of the ricocheted projectiles from reaching the body of the warrior and injuring him. The ending of its convex surface was a circular brass lamina, which covered its perimeter. An important characteristic of its shape was the curved outer surface on which the enemy’s arrows and other projectiles (javelins, stones, etc.) ricocheted. Bronze was the chief material used for it. The Greek shield had a circular shape with a diameter of about 90 cm with a total surface area of 0.5-0.8 sqm. Take a closer look to the special features of a Greek Shield It is likely that those were the first to make an early version of Greek ”Aspis” which the Argeians adopted and evolved in the classic “hoplon” shield. Herodotus reports that the Cares invented this type of armor. In ancient times, the Greek shield was also known as "Argolian", apparently because it was invented or first introduced by the Dorians of Argos. This is apparent in the well-known saying of a Spartan mother, who delivered the shield to her hoplite son and urged him to come back to her with the words: "… with it (i tan) or on it (i epi tas)”. The Spartans in particular believed that the soldier had to return home either with his shield or lying dead on it carried by his fellow soldiers. The special meaning of Greek Shield in ancient timesĬontempt and the social exclusion by his fellow citizens were the fate that awaited the "ripsaspis", the one who dropped his Greek shield.
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