| raducci | 30 Jun 2009 8:44 p.m. PST |
I can understand the appeal of tower-like shields especially for the unarmoured Bronze Age warrior but the very shape of the dipylon figure-of-eight shield puzzles me.
What possible advantage does having the centre pinched in confer? |
| Cyclops | 30 Jun 2009 10:59 p.m. PST |
Perhaps allows a spear or sword thrust either side of the shield while still giving good protection? Maybe it's just cheap and easy to make?
As with many questions regarding ancient equipment, it usually only becomes clear when you've made one and tried it yourself. Has anyone reconstructed one of these things and tried it out? |
| Cerdic | 01 Jul 2009 12:03 a.m. PST |
No, but I have made and tried a round early medieval/viking shield. Jabbing a spear low down is possible because the curve of the shield creates a space. I would imagine that the 'waist' of a figure of eight shield would be used as a kind of weapon slot. |
| Cerdic | 01 Jul 2009 12:04 a.m. PST |
By the way, a low jab at the goolies makes your enemy jump back pretty quick! |
| raducci | 01 Jul 2009 2:16 a.m. PST |
"By the way, a low jab at the goolies makes your enemy jump back pretty quick!"
I believe the great Corporal Jones thought this too. I take your point about the cut-outs helping offensively but I would worry they leave openings for a return thrust in the defensive mode. |
| bilsonius | 01 Jul 2009 2:56 a.m. PST |
I read somewhere that the shape allows the shield to be slung over the back for protection while withdrawing (or running away) without obstructing elbow movement… |
Deucey  | 01 Jul 2009 6:08 a.m. PST |
A shield tailor made for running away!? |
| rddfxx | 01 Jul 2009 6:29 a.m. PST |
Gathering the shield in at the waist may provide additional structural advantages depending on how it was done. I recall a segment on hand-to-hand combat in the BBC Helen of Troy documentary where ancient weapons master Mike Loades showed that a leather shield that is convex will provide greater protection against melee weapons than the flat tower shield, which is probably best suited to protect against missile fire. Basically, the leather as it cures will draw the wooden frame into the figure of eight, convex shape. What is important is the depth of the shield, which enhances its deflective properties. BTW, it is apparent that a flat figure of eight shield is probably in error in interpretation. I would also point out that a dipylon shield and a figure of eight shield are different beasts altogether. Here is an interesting discussion
link |
| Cerdic | 01 Jul 2009 7:05 a.m. PST |
raducci – its best not to worry about such things, it may cause you to run away! |
| Jagger2008 | 01 Jul 2009 8:26 a.m. PST |
And there always could be some sort of religious, cultural, political or economic significance to the shields shape which were dominant over simple efficiency. Amazing how many inferior weapons, equipment and ideas have been used in the field throughout military history even when basically everyone knows they are subpar. Just look around today, you can still find many examples, not just within the military sphere, where efficiency loses out to other factors. Sometimes a reality has its own momentum over something as silly as logic. |
| raducci | 02 Jul 2009 1:57 a.m. PST |
OK a really dumb question: I only ask bcause I know everyone here is supportive and full of understanding and will not ridicule me for asking.
Could the shield be carried/used with the cut-outs on the top and bottom? This makes it easier to poke a spear out the top. |
| Cerdic | 02 Jul 2009 5:13 a.m. PST |
Ha ha ha ha…..top and bottom…..ha ha… (I'll get me coat…) |
