Soldiers on Arch of Septimius Pt.2 with scans this time

[caiusbeerquitius]

I´d rather say that during the second century the clipeus came more and more into use and the rectangular scutum was used less and less. (assuming the clipeus was not used all the time next to the rectangular shields) Look at the Column of Marcus Aurelius, and think of the ratio of oval vs. rectangular among the Dura shields (later, I know, but nonetheless).
www.alte-geschichte.uni-siegen.de/Rombilder/marcussaeule.htm

Also, the oval shields in the scan all have shield bosses, which goes against the theory of a "hellenized" picture.