Ancient Shield
The Ancient Shield is a melee weapon from the Ancient faction. It is used by the Shield Bearer.
Characteristics
The Ancient Shield is a shield used by the Shield Bearer. Unlike the wooden shield of the Protector, it doesn't have a hole to see through. It is also heavier than the Protector's shield, so it can block more projectiles without the shield being moved out.
History
In the early days of Rome (from the late regal period to the first part of the early republic) Roman soldiers wore clipeus, which were like the aspides (ἀσπίδες) used by Hoplites. Their phalanx was a compact, rectangular mass military formation. However, while it was extremely strong, it worked only if the soldiers kept the formation tight and had the discipline needed to keep its compactness in the thick of the battle. It was a rigid form of fighting and its maneuverability was limited. The small shields provided less protection, though this was traded for more mobility, as its shape enabled the soldiers to interlock them to hold the line together.
Sometime in the early fourth century BC, the Romans changed their tactics to a much more flexible form. This involved a change in weapons, and soon the scutum replaced the clipeus. Couissin notes archaeological evidence shows that the scutum was in general use among Italic peoples long before the Samnite Wars and argues that it was not obtained from the Samnites. In some parts of Italy, the scutum had been used since pre-historical times.
Trivia
- The Chariot Rider used to use a lower-quality version of the Ancient Shield. However, it now uses its own shield.
- Heavy units cannot deal damage with this weapon.
- Ancient
- Shield
- Weapons
- Early Access
- Full Version
- TABS
- Pre-Alpha
- Open Alpha
- Closed Alpha