Shields for Germans in AD9

[Lugorix]

In preparation for AD9 festivities, I need to ask:

Did the Germans use wicker shields in combat during this campaign/period?

(I know... how barbaric!)

[Sascha]

There is no evidence for this.
It is just a theoretical idea.
Although I have one, but the experience shows, a wicker shield is not made for eternal use.
If it should to be for a longtime use, you must build it in the same way like the wooden ones, with leather or textile surface, but then you can not differ between a wicker and wooden ones again.
The only use which is known I thing are the roman training wicker shields.

[M. Demetrius]

For reasons known to himself, Lugorix has me on his ignore list. Even so, my best answer would be solid, not that different from Continental "Celts" [yes, I know the controversy against using that word. Forgive me. It's just a convention for communication].

I agree with what you said about the wicker...I would much rather have a solid face on a shield when dealing with incoming arrows, javelins, spear thrusts, gladius thrusts, etc. It would perhaps turn a sword slash, but maybe not be so effective against axes, which Germanics were known to use.

These sites have some examples of modern Germanic reenactors from the appropriate time period:

http://www.evropantiqva.org/german_gallery_english.htm
http://home.planet.nl/~creij006/pages/e/foto.htm

I'm sure many of you folks in Europe have others.

[Lugorix]

Sascha,
Thanks for the response and sharing your experience with using a wicker shield. I've seen European reenactors using them in years past, but it didn't make a whole lot of sense, except they could be worth trying and look kinda cool. I found your picture at Klakriese 2007with the shield. The central spine makes an interesting shield, not quite what I was thinking when I originally asked.

Demetrius,
(An ingore list?) I agree with you. The solid shield is much better, and with little research I have on the Germans from then, some styles of Celtic shields appear to be no different than theirs. But commenting on one of the links you provided, I wouldn't want to use anything that belongs in a later period like a Viking round and spangenhelm!

Just had to ask because it comes up once in a while, but wasn't sure. So a standard continental Celtic shield will do.

Many thanks!

[M. Demetrius]

In my profile, it says "Ignored by Lugorix", which of course prompted me to think I was on your "ignore list". Not sure what that implies.

I think Keltica has some cone-shaped bosses, that are distinctly Germanic. I don't know how well those would be received at Lafe, though. Otherwise, probably any of your shields would do just fine. There doesn't seem to be that much difference between "Celt" shields and "Germanic" shields of that period in shape, size or patterns. The cone shaped boss is about the only distinguising thing that cries "German" from what I've studied out.

[Amalric]

I was under the impression that round shields were known by this time. I could be wrong, and I will certainly be looking through my books tonight. Hexegonal and oval shields were definitely in use. The oval shields could have a spine like Celtic shields, or they could just have a round boss.

[Sascha]

In findings the metal boss overwhelms the spina (sure metal against wood in the earth for 2000 Years)
In pictures & drawings… I think it is the other way round, here you must keep it in mind, that the romans do not make photos, they worked under the barbaric style pathos propaganda in creating such pictures.
Both is possible.
To the wicker shield, I think for an axe it is hardly to came through, because you have a good elastic effect.
It is different to small head pointed weapons like javelins and arrows.

The shield I used in Kalkriese is a lend one.
http://civis.tempus-vivit.net/saxonicae ... riese.html

My own is beginning to be used off, because I do not used cumulative techniques.

[Sean Manning]

I think Caesar mentions some Gauls making shields of hides and wicker after they had surrendered most of their arms to him. Its not impossible that the poorer Germans would have used such shields in more routine circumstances, but I don't know of any evidence.

[Sascha]

The wicker shields are still in use today.
Some police units used it by riots.
But here too, it is a only a exception

[Amalric]

Could anyone point me to articles/books/websites with actual archaeological finds of early German shields? So far I have had to rely on what is written in the few books about the early Germans that I own, and a website on Viking round shields. I used the Viking website mainly because it listed details about actual finds, which I used as a basis for the shields I have made.

[M. Demetrius]

Those links above both have "contact us" buttons. They can surely provide some substantiation for their kit.

Medium to thick rawhide over wicker might be a pretty good defense.

[le Cavalier Invisible]

These sites have some examples of modern Germanic reenactors from the appropriate time period:

http://www.evropantiqva.org/german_gallery_english.htm
http://home.planet.nl/~creij006/pages/e/foto.htm

But commenting on one of the links you provided, I wouldn't want to use anything that belongs in a later period like a Viking round and spangenhelm!

Don't forget that Teuxandrii is a multiperiod group, check this link.

Just had to mention it.. :? lol:

Greetz,

[Sascha]

Some german reenactors:
http://www.foederati.de/

http://www.chasuari.de/

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

For reasons known to himself, Lugorix has me on his ignore list.


.

Me as well. I assumed it was my innane comments.....

[M. Demetrius]

Oh, well, to each his own. Some folks think things inane that others find humorous. :wink: I'd rather laugh than scowl, when it all boils down.