Stuff To Blow Your Mind Shields Like Fish Scales, Part 2: Shield Walls
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May 1, 2025 Dive into the fascinating world of ancient shields and their evolution in warfare! Discover how shield walls transformed combat tactics and the ingenious Roman testudo formation. Explore the realities versus myths of these defensive tools and their tactical importance in historical battles. Plus, see how innovative designs inspired by nature, like fish scales, enhance modern shielding. This journey connects the survival strategies of ancient warriors with contemporary military insights and media representations.
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Shields: The First Armor
- The shield likely predates body armor and was the first form of personal defense in warfare.
- Shields evolved from natural objects to designed defensive tools like hides stretched over frames.
Ancient Soldier Armor Basics
- Ancient soldiers mostly wore helmets and large shields, with body armor being rare.
- Large shields provided extensive protection, covering from head to foot, enabling mobility and defense.
Shield Shapes and Sizes
- Battlefield shields varied mainly as round or oblong shapes, never perfectly square.
- Shields were generally large enough to cover vital areas like head and chest well.
