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The 'boss' or 'umbo' in the center of the Roman scutum was used as an auxiliary punching weapon.

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11y ago

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What do the symbols mean on a roman shield?

If you mean the design of the shield, it was updated with the times. The early armies used roundish or oval shields, then changed to the rectangular shield, which in turn gave way to the rectangular curved shield. With this curved shield a man could step into his shield to use it for pushing and it also protected his sides to an extent. If you mean any design on the outside of the shield, it was the emblem of the legion, if it was there at all. Most Roman shields are believed to have been unadorned, despite what Hollywood tells you.


What is the entire historical period between the fall of the Western Roman Empire the Renaissance called?

The Middle Ages or the "Dark Ages".


What is a boss on a roman shield used for?

The shield boss was not used only by the Roman. Many other peoples also used it. The purpose of the boss to deflect blows from the centre of round shields. It also provided a place to mount the shield's grip. With the introduction of the scutum (a convex, rectangular shield) leather straps were attached to the grip. The boss also made the shield a punching weapon as well. A punching motion towards an oncoming blow could be made and the boss provided a sharp pointed end which could act as a min spear. The bosses of the roman scutum were made of thick metal.


What is a Roman camp called?

a roman camp is called a camp !!


What was a roman patricians house called?

A patrician's house was called a domus, the same as any other Roman house. In ancient Rome, a house was a house, its size didn't give it a special name. The only special indication of housing was the "insulae" or apartment houses, which connoted multi-family dwellings rather than private homes for one family.

Related Questions

What is the name of a Roman shield?

A Roman soldier's shield was called a scutum.


What is shield tax called in the middle ages?

the notorious shield tax was simply called shield tax


What is the middle of a vikings shield called?

bull head


What is the dome on a roman shield used for?

The dome on a Roman shield is called a boss and it was used in an offensive action. A shield, although its prime purpose was defensive, was also used as an offensive weapon in a pushing movement.


Why was the roman shield called a scutum?

The Roman shield was called a "scutum" because it was a distinctive type of shield used by Roman legions, characterized by its large, rectangular shape and curved design. The term "scutum" is derived from Latin, reflecting the shield's importance in Roman military tactics and formations, particularly the testudo or tortoise formation. Its design provided excellent protection for soldiers while allowing for effective combat and maneuverability.


What did a Roman soldier call his shield?

Scutum - is the Roman soldiers' shield


What is the thing called in the middle ages on the shield?

the symbol in the middle of a knights shield, of coat of arms is called a cadency, which is the symbol you are assigned when you are born (first son, first daughter, second son, second daughter, etc.)


What are roman shields called?

It is the shield Romans used in battle, also know as a Scutum. They are in three shapes rectangular,oval, and circular.


What was the period called when the Roman and the Greece lost their culture?

It was called the Middle Ages.


These volcanoes look like a Roman shield since they are large and dome shaped?

Yes, some volcanoes have a shape called a shield volcano, which is broad and gently sloping with a dome-like structure. This shape is formed by the lava flows spreading outwards rather than erupting explosively. Examples of shield volcanoes include Mauna Loa in Hawaii and Mount Etna in Italy.


A middle part of a roman private house?

Its called a Yoism x


What Roman God has a shield?

Zeus