How did Roman cavalry carry their shields?

[Robert Vermaat]

Hi John,

[attachment=0:2b99sgtm]<!-- ia0 Arbeia 2008.jpg<!-- ia0 [/attachment:2b99sgtm]

Very nice picture!

Maurice describes the ideal cavalryman as carrying the kontos, the 4m long lance, and bow. These weapons require the use of both hands. Maurice believed you could not draw a bow effectively while carrying a shield. However I have experimented with a small shield, 450mm in diameter, strapped to the left fore arm. The small shield allows the kontos to be held in both hands, and allows for the use of bow even when using a western release. The shield boss is retained to allow the shield to be carried in a more conventional manner. Procopius mentions the use of small shields strapped to the upper left arm. Agathias mentions cavalry serving under Narses at Casilinum using shields, spear, bows and arrows.

You've tested this. What would you say is more comfortable /offers the best protection in horse vs. horse fighting: the scutum or the parma?