This might be a common question about Centurions...

[Mythos_Ruler]

...but what kind of shield did the Centurion use during the early empire (say, lat 1st, early 2nd century)? I have seen representations of both a round shield (parma?) and a scutum. I suppose it's possible they used both, but what is more likely based on the evidence that we have?

[jvrjenivs]

As they fight in front of the army and don't need their hands for anything else then to handle weaponry I would go for a regular infantry scutum.

[Matthew Amt]

The centurion shown in battle on the Arch of Orange uses the same scutum as his legionaries. I don't *think* there are any actual Roman depictions of centurions using distinctive shields, it seems to be a modern idea.

Vale,

Matthew

[Mythos_Ruler]

Thanks for the info guys. I have seen Centurions in video games and other depictions using a round shield :roll: . I always thought this was apocryphal and you guys confirmed it. :mrgreen:

[jvrjenivs]

I would never use a videogame as source for this kind of stuff. Same goes for Hollywood movies.

[PhilusEstilius]

I think I would have to agree with Jurjen on this and go for the Scutum, for as a soldier who is in the front he needs all the cover he can get from all that is coming at him.( common sence rules I think !!! )

[john m roberts]

Sometimes the grave stele of centurions depict just the insignia of their rank: scale or mail lorica, transverse crest, and vinestock. Never a distinctive shield.

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

As a certain 'centurion' found out , a scutum is definately better protection that a vine stick...especially when dealing with irate Caledonian womenfolk!! :lol: :lol: :twisted: