04-21-2014, 03:38 PM
I posted this in FB RAT, but thought I'd mention it here as well. Not sure if this has been mentioned.
Following up on my strip built scutum, a light soaking didn't make the thing bend more, but did lead me to ponder two attributes of a strip construction over 1) plank construction and 2) the usual modern plywood construction.
First the other discussion of hide glues and their water solubility leaves out any possibilty to try to soak a shield after it's constructed, so all the strips need bending before hand.
Second, with plank and modern plywood the shield covers referred to in sources are really just decorative. I know some folks think it protects the paint. With hide glued plywood, it keeps the water off and the strips together.
Third: this construction is really flexible and bends. A lot. Short of actual sharp steel combat, how can we determine if this flexibility factored into Roman tactics? Keep in mind the lorica segmenta are also springy, and absorb blows really well. Would a sword blow spring back on the wielder?
Following up on my strip built scutum, a light soaking didn't make the thing bend more, but did lead me to ponder two attributes of a strip construction over 1) plank construction and 2) the usual modern plywood construction.
First the other discussion of hide glues and their water solubility leaves out any possibilty to try to soak a shield after it's constructed, so all the strips need bending before hand.
Second, with plank and modern plywood the shield covers referred to in sources are really just decorative. I know some folks think it protects the paint. With hide glued plywood, it keeps the water off and the strips together.
Third: this construction is really flexible and bends. A lot. Short of actual sharp steel combat, how can we determine if this flexibility factored into Roman tactics? Keep in mind the lorica segmenta are also springy, and absorb blows really well. Would a sword blow spring back on the wielder?
Richard Campbell
Legio XX - Alexandria, Virginia
RAT member #6?
Legio XX - Alexandria, Virginia
RAT member #6?
