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WABUKAN Arsenal · Shields · Europe

Scutum

The large curved shield of the Roman legionary: oblong at first, rectangular and half-cylindrical by the 1st century BC.

Scutum
Scutum WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

scutum (Latin, plural scuta); legionary shield

Origin and history

The scutum was a shield of the Italic peoples; its earliest depictions come from the Este culture in the 8th century BC. The Roman army adopted it around the 4th century BC, when it replaced the round clipeus together with the manipular formation. Its shape helped legionaries close ranks in formations such as the testudo ("tortoise").

Martial arts that use it

Seen in traditional practice, historical reenactment and demonstrations; no art page on WABUKAN yet.

Construction

Three sheets of wood glued together and curved, covered with canvas and leather, with a metal boss (umbo) in the centre that also served for punching; it weighed around 10 kg. The best surviving example, from Dura-Europos in Syria, measures 105.5 cm high, 41 cm across and 30 cm deep, which shows how strongly it was curved.

Basic techniques

Training

Shield work starts with how to hold and carry it: the grip, keeping it between you and the opponent, and moving behind it without dropping the guard. Blocks, covers and pushes are then drilled with a partner using wooden or padded weapons, slowly at first.

Safety

Check straps, grips and the rim before each session: a loose strap or a split board can injure the hand. Keep the top edge of the shield away from your partner’s face and wear a helmet for any contact work.

Legality (general information)

This is training or traditional equipment, not a weapon, and is generally free to buy and own. Clubs and federations may still set rules on approved models and condition. General information, not legal advice.

Did you know?

The word scutum outlived the Western Roman Empire and stayed in the military vocabulary of the Byzantine Empire.

More weapons

Dhal Targe Aspis (hoplon) Buckler Tinbe-rochin

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Scutum (shield)
  2. Wikipedia — Testudo formation