The shield provided a portable “wall” to defend against weapons both flung and swung.  Shields came in all shapes and sizes from small round bucklers to protect the back of the hand, to the giant shields of the Roman legions which covered most of the body.  A primary concern for any shield is weight.  Anything over 8 pounds would be to cumbersome to be manoeuvred effectively for any length of time.  An indestructible shield that is too heavy to lift is as useless as no shield at all. 

Shields were constructed to maximize lightness yet to be as strong and durable as possible.  Typically shields were made of thin strips of wood laminated  together in perpendicular layers to create the original plywood.  Leather or fabric was glued over this, then metal bands riveted the entire structure into a solid whole.  These shields took a tremendous beating in battle and probably needed repair or replacement after every conflict.  They were considered expendable, disposable, being cheap means of protection when compared to the rest of the armour.

Shields were often emblazoned with figures or designs usually in bold contrasting colours.  These provided easy identification on the battlefield much like numbers on a football jersey.  These symbols eventually became more formalized and the basis for heraldry. 

Roman Shield circa 0 AD 32” x 50”
This curved rectangular shield is constructed of laminated wood covered in linen and iron fittings.


Viking Shield circa 900 AD 24” diameter
A simple round shield constructed from planks held together with iron fittings.  A common shield style from many periods of history.