02-13-2005, 02:29 PM
I used to think that this small, round shield was the ensign of standard bearers and (maybe) centurions (though I suspect some centurions who carry it on the march may just be looking for an excuse not to carry a scutum).<br>
<br>
On sorting through my slides, however, I came across a gravestone from Bismantha. It shows an unarmored man carrying a substantial spear and a small, round shield with a central boss. Now, at the Istanbul Archeological Museum they labelled this one '2nd century AD' despite the obvious ring buckle on the belt and left-side scabbard ending in a prominent circular chape, so I figured it could be anything, including the local artists' trouble with perspective and proportion, but it made me wonder. And then I came across a relief from Puteoli dating to the 2nd century AD in the Pergamon Museum, Berlin: No question of problems with proportion or such here, this is a masterful work. The dating seems much clearer, too, with the soldier (identified as a Praetorian by the label, though i can't see on what basis) in question wearing a paenula and clearly visible gladius on the right. And yet - same weaponry, a substantial thrusting spear and a small round shield tucked under (!) his left arm. The relief has been reconstructed in places, but the fingers on the left hand are clearly curling around the lower rim of the shield, so it's unlikely this was ever bigger, and aside from the fact that he is barefoot, I can see no evidence this picture was influenced by classical conventions (he wears neither armour nor helmet, but short tunic and paenula, and his belt end is sticking out Roman-fashion). There is no indication he may be a standard bearer, either, though I can't make out whether the spearhead is original or reconstructed.<br>
<br>
Is this perhaps one of the elusive Marines? Or simply an indication that parma-style shields were more common than I thought? They certainly look the better choice for patrol duty and police work.<br>
<br>
Any pointers and other parmae welcome<br>
<br>
Volker<br>
<br>
PS: Unfortunately, I can't post the pictures. I don't have a scanner, only slides. If anyone wants to digitalise them for me I'll most happily send them, though<br>
<br>
<p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p200.ezboard.com/bromanarmytalk.showUserPublicProfile?gid=carltonbach>carlton bach</A> at: 2/13/05 3:32 pm<br></i>
<br>
On sorting through my slides, however, I came across a gravestone from Bismantha. It shows an unarmored man carrying a substantial spear and a small, round shield with a central boss. Now, at the Istanbul Archeological Museum they labelled this one '2nd century AD' despite the obvious ring buckle on the belt and left-side scabbard ending in a prominent circular chape, so I figured it could be anything, including the local artists' trouble with perspective and proportion, but it made me wonder. And then I came across a relief from Puteoli dating to the 2nd century AD in the Pergamon Museum, Berlin: No question of problems with proportion or such here, this is a masterful work. The dating seems much clearer, too, with the soldier (identified as a Praetorian by the label, though i can't see on what basis) in question wearing a paenula and clearly visible gladius on the right. And yet - same weaponry, a substantial thrusting spear and a small round shield tucked under (!) his left arm. The relief has been reconstructed in places, but the fingers on the left hand are clearly curling around the lower rim of the shield, so it's unlikely this was ever bigger, and aside from the fact that he is barefoot, I can see no evidence this picture was influenced by classical conventions (he wears neither armour nor helmet, but short tunic and paenula, and his belt end is sticking out Roman-fashion). There is no indication he may be a standard bearer, either, though I can't make out whether the spearhead is original or reconstructed.<br>
<br>
Is this perhaps one of the elusive Marines? Or simply an indication that parma-style shields were more common than I thought? They certainly look the better choice for patrol duty and police work.<br>
<br>
Any pointers and other parmae welcome<br>
<br>
Volker<br>
<br>
PS: Unfortunately, I can't post the pictures. I don't have a scanner, only slides. If anyone wants to digitalise them for me I'll most happily send them, though<br>
<br>
<p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p200.ezboard.com/bromanarmytalk.showUserPublicProfile?gid=carltonbach>carlton bach</A> at: 2/13/05 3:32 pm<br></i>
Der Kessel ist voll Bärks!
Volker Bach
Volker Bach
