Late roman round shields/axes

[John Conyard]

There are many finds of axes in a military context in Britain. Undoubtedly many of them were used primarily for woodworking.

A Dominate tombstone from Gamzigrad shows a horseman with what can be interpreted as an axe hammer. These are generally perceived as a cavalry weapon. The weapon can be carried attached to the front of the saddle, but care needs to be taken with the cutting edge.

Possibly adopted from the barbarians, the francisca is a single bladed axe designed to be thrown at close quarters. Two axe heads recovered from Burgh castle show all the characteristics of early franciscae. The axe head is generally pierced at an angle to receive the shaft. They can outrange javelins and have a greater weight.

There is a great deal of iconographic evidence for late Roman shields. In terms of physical evidence the round Illerup shields were covered in transparent thin oiled rawhide, placed over the painted surface to protect it. The fragments of preserved painted leather facings from four early 6th century shields are on display in Trier. Found in Egypt, these seem to come from circular dished shields. Dished shields give greater integral strength, deflect blows, and improve the visibility of the user.

Riding carrying a large heavy shield is difficult for some. Carvings, such as the Arch of Galerius, suggest that the shield could be carried on the left arm using a series of straps. Many modern interpreters have followed this method, going further by padding out the interior face of the shield, so it rests more comfortably on the left leg. However there are no archaeological finds to back up this method, or any other.

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 you can use 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.


Good luck with your research.