Legionares

[Katto]

Is ther some historical evidence that prove that roman shields were better than anyone else???
I mean, in the game the romans pricipes, triarii and legionares, have a 8 per shield, and even the hoplitas, with the hoplon shield have mere 6 per shield, and in my search, of all the units in this mod, only the armenian legionares have the same 8 of shield like the romans, even the seleucids legionares and PE legionares have 6 of shield.
Is this random, or has historical evidence? in the game, in all the sieges, on the walls legionares and principes are almost invincible against any kind of infatry units, except from spartans hoplites, and I find this 8 of shield an excess to the development of sieges in the battlemap.

[Scutarii]

Well, it is big. Just joking. Quinn could probably enlighten you more than I.

[Quinn Inuit]

That shield balancing is actually a holdover from RTR. AFAIK, the Roman shield was extremely effectively, in part because it was so large.

[delos]

Ironically the thing that set the Roman shield apart was it offensive capabilities. Almost perfect for punching an opponent with, combine that with a nasty stabbing action from the gladius and you get the grim efficient slaughter associated with the Romans.

[Horgo Splendis]

Thats an interesting question. The Roman Republic Scutum was stated from archaeological digs as being two planks glued together then the outer surface covered in canvas, then another layer of calf-skin. The upper and lower edges strengthened by iron and an iron boss "umbo" affixed to the center for both defense and offense. It was curved to allow for glancing blows, which would not transfer shock to the soldier. It measured two and a half feet wide by four feet tall. A well crafted and designed shield. It typically weighed 12 lbs.

The hoplon, or Aspis, wasn't a slacker either. Various sources indicate that the diameter of the shield ranged from 32" to c. 40", with a maximum depth of c. 5". Which gave it a slight curve. It was made of wood and covered with a thin layer of bronze. It too was used offensively by thrusting it forward or using the edge to strike at an enemy. It had a typical weight of approx 20 lbs.

From this we can see that the Scutum covered more area, was lighter, had the ability to deflect blows without transferring shock and had an easier offense capability due to the boss "umbo". It would seem that the Romans had designed a better combat system. And as is always the case in human history, technology advances win the day.

Thanks Katto for posing the question, it got my attention and I did a little research. Learn stuff every day.

[Traianus IX]

Roman shield wasn't just a piece of wood but layers laminated together - horizontaly / verticaly / horizontaly ... As a result it was not only stronger and lighter in compare to other shields but also flexible. Sound amazing but yes, Romans dit lamination 2500 years ago.