Big Shields

[NeoSpartan]

I agree with most of what you just said. However, I would like to add to the three remarks cited:

(1) Yes there were many shields with a horizontal grip, but there were also many shields with a vertical shield. The Romans for example had a flat shield with a vertical grip. Though I cannot cite specific sources, my best understanding is that the Celts also had full body shields with horizontal handles, and, medium size shields with vertical handles. The choice of horizontal vs. vertical grip had strong implications regarding its use. See #3.

(2) I agree the "shield wall" was not the only way of fighting. However, I would like to understand the detailed techniques the Roman used to wield this odd shield while forming a shield wall. A lot of my work goes into addressing this question in detail.

(3) "Soldiers usually had a few feet between each other..." Well now we are back to #1. I believe a medium size flat shield with a vertical grip would work a lot better in a lose formation, while the full body scutum with a horizontal grip would work best in a tight shield wall.

I gotta tell ya I have never heard/seen shields with a "verical grip" unless you are talking about a round shild, in which case the grip is the same thing.

The benefit of a curved shield is the same as any sloped armor. They deflect rather than resist a blow.

As for what shield works best in what formation.... Unless you are trying to make a shield wall with a small shield (round, oval, narrow+long, whatever), it is the weight and quality that makes a real difference.

I suggest you get in touch with some reanactors. I am not one, although I made a Celtic long+narrow shield and a round Iberian one for Halloween. From that I can tell you that both are very good to use in single combat, but they have their own little "styles" of their own.
ex: with a long+narrow shield you can keep the shield in front of you regardless of the attack you do. But you are better off with a long sword.

I suggest you check out the guys at:
http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/

[Lanceari]

I have never heard/seen shields with a "verical grip" unless you are talking about a round shild, in which case the grip is the same thing.

From ancient Rome, here is an example of an Auxilia Shield with Vertical Handle.

http://www.vicus.org.uk/documents/Auxiliashield.htm

Here is an interesting article about different types of shields from south east asia. It explains how different shields were used for different purposes:

http://books.google.com/books?id=9ol...shield&f=false

And then there is the Zulu Shield:

http://www.designtoscano.com/product...oductID=104209

http://books.google.com/books?id=v32...shield&f=false

Modern Zulus still practice their fighting traditions so you can actually see how they use a shield with a vertical handle. The vertical handle gives you great versatility if you are fighting outside a formation... just like the Zulus.