Scutum (Shield)

Scutum (Shield), mid-3rd century A.D., Painted wood and rawhide, 105.5 × 41 × 30 cm (41 9/16 × 16 1/8 × 11 13/16 in.), Yale-French Excavations at Dura-Europos, This is the only known surviving example of the semicylindrical shield known as a scutum, used by Roman legionaries and known from literary sources. Found flattened, in thirteen pieces, and missing its umbo (central boss), the shield was reconstructed by the Yale-French excavation team. The painted decoration reflects Roman iconography of victory, including an eagle with a laurel wreath, winged Victories, and a lion. , Excavated in Dura-Europos, Syria, Syrian, Dura-Europos, Roman, Arms and Armor. (Photo by: Sepia Times/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)