Prudentius (born in 348 in northern Spain, died after 405) spent most of his life following worldly pursuits, but later turned to writing, in which he aimed to glorify God and atone for his earlier sins. One of his most popular works is a poem called Psychomachia (Conflict of the Soul), which describes the battles between female personifications of human virtues and vices.
Illustrations include:
'Abraham & Lot', Ms. Bern Burgerbibliothek Cod. 264, Lake Constance, c.900AD
. p63 has a Carolingian horseman using a couched(?) lance
. As well as "Carolingian helmets'" there are segmented helmets
. Segmented helmets are also worn by Carolingian soldiers in the Corbie Psalter, Northern France, early 9th century
'Chastity (in classical Carolingian armour and long dress) & Lust', Ms. Bern Burgerbibliothek Cod. 264, Lake Constance, c.900AD
. Three of the four shields carried by Chastity are an unusual pelta type shield. Typical round Carolingian shields in 'Long-Suffering Being Escorted Unharmed Through An Army By Job' in Bern, Burgerbibliothek, Cod. 264, Lake Constance, c.900AD
Similar pelta type shields:
The personification of Avarice with pelta, in BnF Ms. Latin 8318, 9th century
Three of the four shields in Chastity and Lust, Prudentius: Brussels, Bibliotheque royale, Ms. 10066-77, 10th century are peltas.
Good-Works fights Avarice (with pelta) in f.28v, Prudentius' Psychomachia, Corpus Christi College, Ms. 23, c.1000AD, Anglo-Saxon
So some are associated with a Virtue and others with a Vice.
Druzhina
9th Century Illustrations of Costume & Soldiers
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