An aspis (pronounced /ˈæspɨs/, Ancient Greek: ἀσπίς) is the generic term for the word shield. The aspis, which is carried by Greek infantry (hoplites) of various periods, is often referred to as a hoplon (Ancient Greek: ὅπλον).
According to Diodorus Siculus:[1]
But exposed as he was to many and fierce attacks he nevertheless was not overborne by the numbers of the foe. Though he took two blows on the breastplate, one on the helmet, and three on the shield [hoplon] which he had brought from the temple of Athena, he still did not give in, but borne up by an exaltation of spirit surmounted every danger. - Diodorus Siculus. The Library, 17.21.2.
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Construction
A hoplon shield was a deeply-dished shield made of wood. Often, particularly later on, it was covered in a thin layer of bronze. In some periods, the convention was to decorate the aspis; in others, it was usually left plain. Probably the most famous aspis decoration is that of Sparta: a capital lambda (Λ). From the late 5th century BC, Athenian hoplites commonly used the Little Owl, while the shields of Theban hoplites were sometimes decorated with a sphinx, or the club of Heracles.
Offense and Defense
The large shield used by the Greeks was an excellent defense as it could stop most weapons of its time. In addition, its weight made it a dangerous weapon. A thrust forward with the shield could knock an opponent down, setting him up for a kill with any of the attacker's weapons. A strike from the shield's edge was deadly, as it could break bones and fatally fracture the skull.
References
- ^ Diodorus Siculus. Diodorus of Sicily in Twelve Volumes with an English Translation by C. H. Oldfather. Vol. 4-8. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann, Ltd. 1989.
See also
External links
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