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greek shields

greek shields

Hoplite Shield

Battle Merchant
038500000
147.23 €
Get ready to protect yourself like a true Ancient Greek Hoplite with this amazing Hoplite Shield! This shield is an exact replica of the one used by the brave Hoplites of the City-States of Ancient Greece. It is made of the highest quality plywood, which gives it great strength and durability. In addition, its hand painting gives it an authentic and...
greek shields

Leonidas Spartan Shield

Windlass Steel Crafts
079520000
275.50 €
The Leonidas Spartan Shield is an impressive and energetic emblem of ancient history. Meticulously crafted by Windlass Steelcrafts®, this Spartan shield is constructed from a combination of strong steel and aged brass, giving it a robust, authentic appearance. With its width of 91 cm, this shield is large enough to protect you from any attack in battle....
greek shields

Cimmerian Greek Shield of Conan the Barbarian

Windlass Steel Crafts
081250000
127.50 €
The Cimmerian Greek Shield of Conan the Barbarian is the perfect item for fans of this legendary figure. This fully functional shield has been carefully crafted from the highest quality steel and finished in Antique Bronze for a robust, authentic look. One of the main advantages of this shield is its size. With dimensions of 61 cm wide and high, it offers...
greek shields

Greek shield Leonidas of 300 in latex, ø 70 cm.

Epic Armoury
164330000
132.23 €
Epic Armory's Shield of Leonidas is the perfect addition for history buffs and Greek warriors. Inspired by the valiant warriors who faced the Persian Empire, this concave shield is painstakingly crafted to look like bronze, with dents and scratches reminiscent of earlier battles. With a diameter of 70 cm, this shield is ideal for both left-handed and...
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The Importance of the Shield in the Culture of Greek Warriors

The phrase "Return home with or on your shield" was a fundamental motto in the culture of ancient Greek warriors, illustrating the importance placed on both their duty and their shields. This phrase, recorded in "Moralia", reflects the idea that a warrior should maintain his bravery in battle and protect his shield at all costs.

The shield of ancient Greece varied in size and construction over the centuries. During Spartan rule, the shield was composed of a wooden core covered with a thin sheet of bronze. It had a circular shape and curved towards the body, which provided good protection. However, its weight ranged between 6 and 10 kilos, which required great strength and endurance on the part of the warrior.

Greek hoplites, infantry warriors, preferred mobility rather than the complete protection offered by heavier shields. Their shields could deflect blows from swords and spear thrusts, but were not as effective against arrows and javelins. A truly brave warrior stood his ground in battle and returned home with his shield. Even in death, his companions carried him home using his shield as a stretcher, demonstrating his bravery and leaving his family a valuable inheritance.

Discovering the History of Greek Shields

The history of Greek shields is rich and diverse, reflecting the evolution of culture and combat tactics over the centuries. From the heavy, round shields of the Spartans to the lighter, more versatile shields of the hoplites, each type of shield had its place in Greek history.

Spartan warriors, famous for their discipline and bravery, carried shields known as "aspis." These shields were circular, curved, and generally made of bronze or leather-covered wood. They were effective in compact formations, such as the Spartan phalanx, where they overlapped to form an impenetrable shield wall.

On the other hand, the Greek hoplites, who were the main infantry force, preferred lighter shields, known as "hoplon". These shields were oval in shape and made of wood and bronze. Its design allowed for greater mobility on the battlefield and was better suited to ambush tactics and rapid attacks.

Frequent questions

What was the motto related to shields in Greek warrior culture?

The motto was "Come home with or on your shield", highlighting the importance of protecting the shield and maintaining bravery in battle.

How was the Spartan shield constructed?

The Spartan shield, known as "aspis", was composed of a wooden core covered with a thin sheet of bronze.

What was the difference between the Spartan shields and those of the hoplites?

Spartan shields were heavier and circular, while hoplite shields were lighter and oval, giving them greater mobility.

What was the purpose of the formation of Testudo?

The Testudo formation was used to protect against projectile attacks, such as arrows, by overlapping the warriors' shields to create a defensive barrier.

Explore the rich history of Greek shields and their importance in ancient Greek culture and combat tactics. Learn more about these valuable items of military history!

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