Making a scutum

[Julius Verax]

Hi all ,
Can anyone please tell me the best and easiest way to make a scutum ? I dont have any special equipment like a press and Ive never made a shield before so a step by step how to would be great .

Thank you

Julius .

[jvrjenivs]

Check Matt Amt website ([url:3ebvfeav]http://www.larp.com/legioxx[/url]. Most of it is on there, very nicely step by step. You can use a barrel or just rope for making a scutum and get it into shape, although in my opinion a (simple) press makes it a lot easier to get it nice.

[Julius Verax]

Iam gonna have to have a look . Were there any differences in sizes of Imperial legionary scutums ? any pics would be great.

Thanks,

Julius.

[jvrjenivs]

Were there any differences in sizes of Imperial legionary scutums ? any pics would be great.

Hard question. I don't think we can answer that as we just don't have that many finds to get sizes from to make any clear picture. Many re-enactment groups prefer to have an uniform size over all the shields, which works better for displays and most tacticts. However others suggest that your scutum should be made to your lenght. (Schoulder to knee). I would say that could be both okay, as long as the width and the curve is about the same.

Anyway, mine are 84 x 104 cm. Why? Just because all scuta of my group had that size when I made mine. Don't know where it is actually based on.

[Julius Verax]

Thanks for that jvrjenivs , Do you know what the dimensions would be for the "Caerleon Scutum " I quite like the look of that design , just terrified on trying to make a scutum .

Julius.

[jvrjenivs]

I only know the measurements of the replica as it is for sale at Armamentaria, as I have one of these. I haven't seen a report on the finds itself.

It measures 115 x 69 cm

[Julius Verax]

If I dont make one ( very probable 0 then I was thinking about this shield . Would it be ok for 1 century Legionary ?

[jvrjenivs]

when in the first century? In the beginning is is okay for sure. In the end I think the rectangular one comes more into use. But that wouldn't say this one couldn't be in use. We know little about it, so I would say you're fine using it. Don't know of the exact dating of the Caerleon shield finds, though.

[Julius Verax]

I was thinking 43ad Invasion of Britain.

[Matthew Amt]

I was thinking 43ad Invasion of Britain.

Not sure what the date is on the Caerleon shield is (presumably that's the *cover* that was found there, not an actual shield), but I thought it was 2nd century. For 43 AD, a regular rectangle is fine, or the curve-sided "Augustan" style with straight top and bottom.

Matthew

[Julius Verax]

Ok Matt thanks .

Julius.

[jkaler48]

There is some evidence that oval shields continued in use for "light Armed Cohorts" and specialist troops.