What is an aspis shield?

An aspis (Ancient Greek: ἀσπίς, plural aspides, ἀσπίδες), sometimes also referred to as an hoplon (Greek: ὅπλον), was the heavy wooden shield used by the infantry in various periods of ancient Greece.

When was the aspis shield used?

One of the earliest adopters of the aspis outside of Greece were the Etruscans. From about the middle of the seventh century, this type of shield began to appear throughout Etruria, along with other elements of Hellenic kit, such as the heavy and visually-restrictive Corinthian helmet (and its derivatives).

How heavy was a Greek shield?

Lastly, most historians of ancient Greek warfare have estimated that the shield used in classical times weighed between 13.5 lbs / 6.12 kgs and 18 lbs / 8.16 kgs (i.e. 30 lbs is most likely an extreme limit, if not an exaggeration).

What is Hoplite phalanx?

The hoplite phalanx of the Archaic and Classical periods in Greece (c. 800–350 BC) was the formation in which the hoplites would line up in ranks in close order. The hoplites would lock their shields together, and the first few ranks of soldiers would project their spears out over the first rank of shields.

What is the difference between hoplon and Aspis?

As nouns the difference between hoplon and aspis is that hoplon is a type of aspis used by greek hoplites while aspis is a type of round shield borne by ancient greek soldiers.

What is hoplon made of?

use by hoplites … acquired his name from the hoplon, a convex circular shield, approximately 3 feet (90 cm) in diameter, made of composite wood and bronze.

What is the difference between hoplon and aspis?

Why is hoplon important?

Called a hoplon, it had a rounded convex, bowl-like shape and a unique “double grip”. The shape allowed the shield to be rested on the hoplites shoulder and was also useful in providing them the ability to take cover, practically inside of it, when a barrage of missiles rained down upon them.

What was the weight of a Spartan sword?

It was a rather light weapon, with a weight around 450–900 g (0.99–1.98 lb). It was generally hung from a baldric under the left arm. The xiphos was generally used only when the spear was broken, taken by the enemy, or discarded for close combat.

What is the difference between Greek and Macedonian phalanx?

The Macedonian phalanx unlike the traditional Greek Hoplite phalanx was not engineered to defeat its enemy all by itself. The Macedonian success was not due to their phalanx’s superiority (with the sarissa pike). The Macedonian phalanx advantage was protection, but it had disadvantages.

What is Spartan shield made of?

Description. The shield was made of several layers of wood covered in a layer of bronze with a layer of leather in between, to absorb shock. The shield had a strap in the middle of the shield and a handle at the right edge.

What is an aspis shield used for?

After the battle, the aspis was often used as a stretcher to carry the dead and wounded from the battlefield. In the event of a retreat, the shield would usually be the first thing discarded.

Why did hoplites use shields?

This allowed hoplites more mobility with the shield, as well as the ability to capitalize on their offensive capabilities and better support the phalanx. The shield rested on a man’s shoulders, stretching down to the knees.

How did an aspis look like inside?

Here you can get a good look at how an Aspis looked like on the inside. The Aspi (also known as a Hoplon) is a large round shield used in Ancient Greece. It was the Weapon of the Spartans . The shield was made of several layers of wood covered in a layer of bronze with a layer of leather in between, to absorb shock.

Why was the aspis important to the hoplite?

In Greek warfare, the aspis was the most important piece of equipment of the hoplite (heavy infantry). Its large size covered a large portion of the holder’s body and its weight (24 lbs in the show) allowed it to deliver crushing blows.