Scutum

The Scutum is a rectangular shield that was curved to form a protective barrier around the bearer. The Romans used these to form a wall of shields making an almost impenetrable barricade while they attacked with their Pilums from safety. These shields were made from two thin pieces of wood, as long as the fibres on each wood and travelling in a different direction, the shield will not break on impact. These two pieces of wood were glued together and had a strip of leather at the front to prevent further damage.