09-17-2004, 12:19 PM
Nathan,<br>
In the case of that particular picture we'd be talking about a cavlryman. He's clearly leading a horse with one hand, therefore he needs his left for the lance. No small spear mind you, but the heavy contus. I think therefore that cavalrymen needed shield straps, to hold the shield without hands.<br>
<br>
Gray,<br>
I assume you're right about a second strap.<br>
<br>
Anyway, I think any cavalryman needed a method to hold his scutum without hands. An infantryman on the other hand needs to be able to wield his shield (as I know from practise), and therefore would not use such starps.<br>
<br>
Goffredo,<br>
I'd say no straps were used for Late Roman infantry shields, at least not as a neccesary means to hold them in battle.<br>
<br>
Valete,<br>
Valerius/Robert <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p200.ezboard.com/bromanarmytalk.showUserPublicProfile?gid=vortigernstudies>Vortigern Studies</A> at: 9/17/04 2:47 pm<br></i>
In the case of that particular picture we'd be talking about a cavlryman. He's clearly leading a horse with one hand, therefore he needs his left for the lance. No small spear mind you, but the heavy contus. I think therefore that cavalrymen needed shield straps, to hold the shield without hands.<br>
<br>
Gray,<br>
I assume you're right about a second strap.<br>
<br>
Anyway, I think any cavalryman needed a method to hold his scutum without hands. An infantryman on the other hand needs to be able to wield his shield (as I know from practise), and therefore would not use such starps.<br>
<br>
Goffredo,<br>
I'd say no straps were used for Late Roman infantry shields, at least not as a neccesary means to hold them in battle.<br>
<br>
Valete,<br>
Valerius/Robert <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p200.ezboard.com/bromanarmytalk.showUserPublicProfile?gid=vortigernstudies>Vortigern Studies</A> at: 9/17/04 2:47 pm<br></i>
Robert Vermaat
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)