Shield
The first prototype of the shield appeared during the Late Neolithic Age. Archaeologists have found surviving examples dating to the Bronze Age that reveal early craftsmanship. The oldest form served as a protection device against hand weapons like swords, axes, and maces. Ranged threats such as sling-stones and arrows also drove this innovation. Wood or animal hide construction was far more common than metal in these earliest periods. Wicker and even turtle shells were utilized by ancient cultures seeking defense. Many surviving metal shields from the Yetholm-type or Iron Age Batterbury are now considered ceremonial rather than practical tools for war.
During the 14th, 13th century BC, Sards or Shardana mercenaries fought under Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II. They used large or small round shields against Hittite forces. Mycenaean Greeks employed two distinct types: the figure-of-eight shield and a rectangular tower shield. These were made primarily from wicker frames reinforced with leather. Covering the body from head to foot offered significant protection in hand-to-hand combat. Ancient Greek hoplites utilized a round bowl-shaped wooden shield called an aspis. Spartans used these aspis shields to create the Greek phalanx formation. Their shields protected not only themselves but comrades standing to their left. Heavily armored Roman legionaries carried large shields known as scuta. The scutum developed from an oval shape during the early republican era into a familiar rectangular form. Romans used these shields to build a tortoise-like formation called a testudo. Large groups of soldiers enclosed themselves in this armoured box to block missiles and approach under heavy fire.
Typical European Middle Ages shields featured light non-splitting wood like linden, fir, alder, or poplar. Leather cover on one or both sides often encircled metal rims and a central boss. These bosses could serve as secondary weapons by punching with the shield. Light shields suited fighting styles where each incoming blow was intercepted to deflect it. The Normans introduced the kite shield around the 10th century. This design rounded at the top and tapered at the bottom to protect legs. Kite shields were especially suited for horsemen whose legs remained vulnerable otherwise. Enarmes leather straps allowed users to grip the shield tight to the arm. Foot and mounted troops alike gradually replaced round shields with the kite style until the end of the 12th century. As body armour improved knight's shields became smaller leading to the heater shield style. Both kite and heater shields utilized several layers of laminated wood with gentle curves. The heater style inspired the symbolic heraldic shield still used today. Specialized shapes emerged such as the bouche which had a lance rest cut into the upper corner. Free standing pavises propped up on stands protected medieval crossbowmen while reloading. Some armoured foot knights eventually abandoned shields entirely in favor of mobility and two-handed weapons.
African shields varied in shape and size primarily to deflect spears reflecting local traditions. In southern Africa Zulu shields were made of hide and were especially long and broad. They often covered much of the warrior’s body while Nguni shields were generally oval. Tswana people from present-day Botswana and northwestern South Africa used hourglass-shaped shields. Pedi of Limpopo preferred apron-shaped designs. Sotho shields were smaller and used in highland regions of Lesotho and nearby areas. During the 19th century non-industrial cultures with little access to guns still used war shields. Zulu warriors carried large lightweight shields called Ishlangu made from a single ox hide supported by wooden spine. This was used in combination with a short spear known as iklwa or club. Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria traditionally crafted shields from woven palm stems. Their shields were often large enough to cover a warrior from head to toe. M.D.W. Jeffreys described two main types: sturdy wooden shields for protecting homes and lighter portable wicker shields for battle raids. Beyond protection these objects symbolized authority and tribal identity. Nguni warriors struck their shields to create rhythmic beats during ceremonies and dance.
Traditional Southeast Asian shields reflected martial traditions of specific ethnic groups and environments they inhabited. Malay and related maritime peoples used circular rattan shields made from tightly-woven rattan or wood known as taming. This type suited sword and spear combat in Malaysia and Indonesia. Tribal groups in the Philippines such as Moro Lumad and Visayan people also favored the taming shield variety. Shield traditions in the Philippines reflect clear regional differences. Southern island Moro communities produced round oblong and rectangular shields. The round examples are associated with Islamic influences rather than Malaysian and most were cut from solid wood strengthened with rattan edging. Large wooden body shields called keliau kelibit or telawang were hexagonal. These were used by Austronesian ethnic groups in Indonesia and Malaysia including Dayak peoples of Borneo. Kenyah Kayan Ot Danum and Ngaju people utilized these heavy defensive structures against invaders.
Shields for protection from armed attack remain in use by many police forces around the world today. Riot shields serve one purpose while bullet-resistant ballistic shields serve another distinct function. Riot shields can be made from metal or polymers such as polycarbonate Lexan or Makrolon. Synthetic riot shields are normally transparent allowing full use without obstructing vision. Metal riot shields often have a small window at eye level for this same reason. These shields block and push back crowds when users stand in a wall to block protesters. They protect against shrapnel projectiles like stones and bricks molotov cocktails and hand-to-hand combat. Bullet-resistant tactical shields are manufactured from advanced synthetics such as Kevlar. Light level IIIA shields stop pistol cartridges while heavy level III and IV shields stop rifle cartridges. Tactical shields often feature firing ports so officers can fire weapons while protected. Specialist police units like SWAT teams employ them in high risk entry and siege scenarios. Hostage rescue and breaching gang compounds rely on these modern barriers. Antiterrorism operations frequently utilize these devices alongside large signs stating POLICE or US MARSHALS.
Common questions
When did the first prototype of the shield appear?
The first prototype of the shield appeared during the Late Neolithic Age. Archaeologists have found surviving examples dating to the Bronze Age that reveal early craftsmanship.
What materials were used to construct shields in ancient periods?
Wood or animal hide construction was far more common than metal in these earliest periods. Wicker and even turtle shells were utilized by ancient cultures seeking defense.
How did Roman legionaries use their scuta shields in battle?
Romans used these shields to build a tortoise-like formation called a testudo. Large groups of soldiers enclosed themselves in this armoured box to block missiles and approach under heavy fire.
Which culture introduced the kite shield around the 10th century?
The Normans introduced the kite shield around the 10th century. This design rounded at the top and tapered at the bottom to protect legs.
What are Zulu Ishlangu shields made from and how were they used?
Zulu warriors carried large lightweight shields called Ishlangu made from a single ox hide supported by wooden spine. This was used in combination with a short spear known as iklwa or club.
What modern materials are used to make bullet-resistant tactical shields today?
Bullet-resistant tactical shields are manufactured from advanced synthetics such as Kevlar. Light level IIIA shields stop pistol cartridges while heavy level III and IV shields stop rifle cartridges.