Preatorian Shield

Roman shield of the Praetorian guard

The Scutum, or shield, was the main form of body protection of the Roman soldiers.

The Praetorian Guard
Preatorian guard (Latin: Praetoriani) was a force of elite bodyguards used by Roman Emperors. The title was already used during the Roman Republic for the guards of Roman generals, at least since the rise to prominence of the Scipio family around 275 BC. The Guard was dissolved by Emperor Constantine I in the 4th century.

Shield served the purpose to deflect missiles targeted at the soldiers, as well as protect them from the impact of hand held weapons yielded at them. The shields large size allowed the soldiers to form a 'tustudo' or shield wall that could protect them during an advance.

The Praetorians used the oval shield early in their history is guaranteed by the tombstone from Aquileia. They were in continuous use into the reign of Domitian (AD 81-96). This has been taken to contrast with the rectangular scutum adopted universally by the legions in the first half of the 1st Century. By the end of the 2nd century, both public and private monuments show a return to the oval shield for both Legionaries and Praetorians, although a 3rd Century example of Dura Eoropos proves that the rectangular scutum did survive.

Our Praetorian Cavalry Wooden Shield has a Wooden Core, covered with Linen and Hand Painted.

Shield size 47" x 27"

Roman armor and shields.