Roman Scutum - This shield is made predominantly out of wood and brass.

While this scutum is sporting a quality paint job & brass edging, the rear handle is little more than an ornament and not suited for re-enactment use. It is perfect for costuming or for a collector to mount with a Roman collection of weapons.

The curved shape of a scutum allowed it to absorb (and deal) heavy blows, while the sides sloped away from the attacker, allowing arrows and enemy blows to glance off without transmitting the full force of the impact to the legionary sheltering behind it. The boss in the centre of the shield (the umbo), constructed either from copper alloy (brass or bronze) or iron, was itself used offensively, being heavy and dense enough to stun or wind an opponent.

The scutum was commonly used by centurions of the legions.

Height: 920mm (36 inches)
Width: 570mm (22.5 inches)
Curve depth: 95mmm (3.75 inches)

Weight: 4kg approx