interesting way the pretorians carry theirs Scuta

[Hibernicus]

Having fought with a rigid arm strap.. of bronze.. its very functional.

What with the Roman fascination with things Greek, why not a parade guard sporting the Greek style?

[TraderTrey9785]

I agree, in the relief it does look like a leather strap similar to a hoplon. However, I had read somehwere that legionaries didn't carry their scuti in a hoplon fashion, with their arm horizontal, but rather vertical (easier for carrying on long marches). I couldn't find the original article, and someone please correct me if I am wrong. I wouldn't think Preatorian would carry their shields in any different manner unless they were designed for a cavalry unit of some kind. I agree with Theo, seems to me it is some sort of dismounted cavalry.

[Tarbicus]

Didn't the aspis have a bronze armband?

[Hibernicus]

The aspis did indeed, well at least some, had a bronze arm strap.

Here's one:

http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/war/Armor2.htm

[Tarbicus]

Thanks Sean. AFAIK, all aspis had bronze armbands. No leather anywhere, but I'd be interested to see evidence for them, even though I can't see leather being at all practical.

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Yes Tarbicus is right, they were all bronze, with leather lining! And if you straighten your arm, the hoplon can still be carried! It has a cord inside the rim for the hand to grip.