10-22-2016, 08:10 PM
Septimius Severus disbanded the old Guard at the end of the 2nd century and reconstituted them with legionaries from his Pannonian army. So the Praetorians of the early 3rd century would most likely have resembled legionaries, albeit perhaps with better quality kit (as they were paid better!). Herodian mentions them wearing scale armour at the battle of Antioch in AD218, but it's unclear whether this was particular to them or not.
Shields would therefore be of the legionary pattern of the day - either the traditional curved rectangle or the newer dished oval. The 'Parthian War' reliefs on the Arch of Severus in the Roman forum appears to show exclusively oval shields in use, although we know the rectangular ones did continue until at least mid century (at Dura Europos, for example).
Shields would therefore be of the legionary pattern of the day - either the traditional curved rectangle or the newer dished oval. The 'Parthian War' reliefs on the Arch of Severus in the Roman forum appears to show exclusively oval shields in use, although we know the rectangular ones did continue until at least mid century (at Dura Europos, for example).
Nathan Ross
