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I'm thinking of making a C. 1st century shield. Is there evidence, written or archaeological, for canvas shield facings? (I already have the canvas, but if leather is more accurate then I'll use that instead.) Also, why did the Romans face the shields with fabric, leather etc? :?:
HI, I\'m Bob.
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Hi! You can find many answers to your questions by simply using the search function of the forum. Type "scutum facing" eg. All this has been discussed here in depth quite often. Cheers! C.
Christian K.
No reconstruendum => No reconstruction.
Ut desint vires, tamen est laudanda voluntas.
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Ave!
Well, I've done a little searching and the information doesn't pop up as well as I had expected. Found this one, but it's a little deep into technicalities:
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Also:
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Ah, brief, but might be the answer:
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Basically, most ancient wooden shields seem to have been faced with something. It adds a surprising amount of strength, keeping the wood from breaking up so easily. Note that modern canvas is generally cotton, whereas in Roman times it would have been linen or hemp. Of course, once it's all painted, it can be very hard to tell what the fabric is! But we use fabric for many of our shield facings in Legio XX. It's just one option.
Good luck and Vale,
Matthew
Matthew Amt (Quintus)
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
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Thank you, men, for the replies! I tried the search function first, but got hundreds of posts, many only confusing me more. The first few pages did not answer my question so I posted my questions instead. After checking on the cost of leather I will definately be using the canvas. I was surprised to learn from your answer that the fabric facings actually impart strengh to the shields. Anyway, thanks again.
HI, I\'m Bob.