Why did the scutum have a horizontal grip?

[P. Lilius Frugius Simius]

I'm not really sure I understand your explanations, sorry...

The grip for the scutum was horizontal so you could hold it with your whole arm straightened up instead of lifting it like it was a buckler.

The reason is that the sctutum was too heavy to lift it all the time, and this position also allows for a better control of the sides.

Now, if you bend your arm a little, you'll also be able to use your elbow to control it, and that way, use it as a weapon if need be it.

Lastly, using your knee, you can not only control it better, but also push it (and if you bend your shoulder against it, like a hoplite, it would help to get a complete hold of your scutum with full force. This was probably not used in formation, but in siege operations it could be useful.)

I am sure other members will be able to give you a more detailed explanation, as I have never gotten a scutum myself... :-P P

best regards!