Shieldbearers?

[Theodotos I]

Although I realize this is a little outside the EB timeframe, I would be interested if anyone could give me any information on the shield referred to by the Hebrew word tsinnah in I Samuel 17, where it speaks of the shield carried before the Philistine champion Goliath. Was it common practice for a man’s shield to be carried into battle by another man, or was this practice restricted to war-leaders and champions? In such a case, where would the “shield-bearer” go during the battle?
Many scholars believe the word tsinnah refers to a full-body shield. Would such a shield be worn on the left arm—or what?
Once again, any information would be appreciated. Thanks ahead of time.

[antisocialmunky]

I've always heard that it was a distinct fighting style that used two men where one covered the other's with the shield while the man with the weapon attacked. For example, men with shields protecting commanders.

The term can also apply to soldiers with large shields protecting a unit's flank, like the right side of a phalanx or archers.

Or the term can apply to a servant that carries shields on the march or into battle.

The one mentioned in Samuel was probably the first sort or the last sort especially if the shield was huge.

[unreal_uk]

In Xenophon's Anabasis, he makes distinct mention of his own 'Hypaspist' legging it away with his shield when they came under attack from Karduchi tribesmen. Thankfully, a soldier rushed in and covered him with his own shield. Which was nice of him.

[russia almighty]

Well wasn't it common to have someone of stature to have someone carry their weapons and armor ? That would make sense . Goliath definitely was a noble with in the Philistine society .

Shieldbearers is also sparabara translated to english .

[paullus]

yeah, goliath was supposed to have been from a leading family. and shield bearers were very common for a long long time. there are several ways it can play out:

the shield bearer may serve as an attendant, helping the warrior to stay fresh by lugging the materials for him. this was generally the case with greek shieldbearers, and these usually stayed away from battle, though they might be expected to give assistance to their warrior if he were wounded.

the british chariots actually operated in a similar way at times, delivering a warrior to the battlefield, and then serving as a lift out of the fray. celtic attendants might serve in battle as well, such as the three-horsemen system among some celtic cavalry, where one noble would have two horsemen as reserves and auxiliaries to his own actions as the lead warrior.

less militarily active but to some extent comparable are the helots in the Spartan army, who at times could take active roles in battle. in hellenistic armies, many soldiers had paides, sons or--more often--young slaves. These served as attendants, and would carry some of their equipment before battle. There's little evidence that they participated in pitched battles, but may have served as light troops in regular patrol activities and minor actions though, considering the value of a healthy young male slave or son, I doubt they would have been put into too dangerous a position with much frequency.

[Atilius]

Was it common practice for a man’s shield to be carried into battle by another man, or was this practice restricted to war-leaders and champions? In such a case, where would the “shield-bearer” go during the battle?I can think of two cases of this sort of thing happening during or near our time period. In both cases, three men are apparently bearing shields solely to protect the commander during combat.

In the first case, Diodorus Siculus (20.52) is describing the naval battle of Salamis (off Cyprus, not Attica) in 306 BC:


Demetrius fought most brilliantly of all, having having taken his stand on the stern of his seven [heptere]. A crowd of men rushed upon him, but hurling his javelins at some of them and by striking others at close range with his spear, he slew them; and although many missiles of all sorts were aimed at him, he avoided some that he saw in time and received others upon his defensive armour. Of the three men who protected him with shields, one fell struck by a lance and the other two were severely wounded.

The second case occurs as Polybius (10.13) tells of Scipio's assault on Nova Carthago in 209 BC:


All this time Scipio himself had by no means remained aloof from the fighting, but had also taken all possible precautions for his safety. He had with him three men carrying large shields, which they held so as to cover him completely on the side which was exposed to the wall, and thus protected him from missiles.

[Theodotos I]

Thanks a lot for the replies, everybody. That gives me some idea of what I'm looking for, but I'd be happy if anyone ran across anything more. Here's luck.