Pugnum
The pugnum was a Roman shield .
Description and use
The pugnum was a small fist shield , which outwardly resembled the buckler used in the Middle Ages . It was made of wood and covered with leather. In the middle he had a shield boss , which was provided with a point, which represented a dreaded striking weapon. Compared to other heavier or larger shields, the warrior with the Pugnum had much more freedom of movement.
history
The pugnum came to Italy in the 1st century BC. Chr. On. It was initially used by lightly armed mercenaries and bandits who could not afford better equipment. Mainly, however, this shield was used by gladiators in their duels in the arena.
Web links
literature
- Marcus Junkelmann : Gladiators. Playing with death . von Zabern, Mainz 2008, ISBN 978-3-8053-3797-7 .