Why did the scutum have a horizontal grip?

[tlclark]

Now that I see the arm is held downwards, it all makes sense.

This is a good example of how you could only learn so much from books and sometimes you need the actual experience.

As tlclark pointed out, holding it down gives you a lot more body support behind the shield to fend off blows.

It also minimizes your aspect. Instead of presenting your whole front to the enemy, you present only the left shoulder, and you are completely covered by the scuta.

I've often wondered at depictions of Greek hoplites with the apsis/hoplon. Many are shown completely naked except for shield, helmet and greaves.

But check out the angle of the shield in this figurine.

http://www.coas.howard.edu/classics/images/hoplite.jpg

The shield affectively covers the entire body from the angle of the attacker. If you were REALLY good at using that shield, you get by with only a helmet, greaves and a spear.

Not that I recommend that of course! hock:

I think this demonstrates that the scutum, effectively used, really was the first and best defense and that armor is a last defense and far less crucial and can be less effective.

...which means...*pause*

LEATHER ARMOR!!

Ok, I'm done now.

Travis