shield shape

[Opifex]

Hmm. 60cm is just under 24" (2.54cm= 1 inch) That's about what I had in mind, so my guess wasn't far off of the real thing.

I've used both vertical and horizontal grips in mock combat, and for carrying longish distances. I highly prefer the horizontal, since the hand is able to relax more while walking with the horizontal.

...

You are absolutely right. the Horizontal is much better for carrying.

But as the gladiators did not want to carry their shields for a bigger distance then the end of the arena. If you hold the Thracian shield in a fight position, than you your elbow is behind the shield if the grip is vertical. But your elbow hits the edge (side or inner side) of the shield if the grip is horizontal. And during the fights you can not keep your shield in a good position. If anybody would like to try, then come to our training camp. :twisted: It is because you have to pull the Parma up to your belly, not like a Scutum what you hold with an almost straight elbow.

Opifex