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The aspis measured at least 0.9 metres (2 ft 11 in) in diameter and weighed about 7.3 kilograms (16 lb), and it was about 25–38 millimetres (0.98–1.50 in) thick. [2] This large shield was made possible partly by its shape, which allowed it to be supported comfortably on the shoulder. The revolutionary part of the shield was, in fact, the grip.
The single most important element of the panoply – the piece which gives its name to the hoplite himself – is the aspis shield, also known as a hoplon or the Argive shield. Approximately three feet in diameter, the aspis is primarily identified by its distinctive hollow bowl shape (5 or 6 inches deep), 3” offset rim, and unique two-point grip system.
- Origin of The Aspis Shield
- Design
- Construction
- The Shields of Olympia
The Greek hoplites and cavalry frequently used the aspis (also known as the hoplon) between the 8th and 4th centuries BC. In fact, the word hoplite derives from “hoplon.” As new offensive weapons with higher penetrating strength, manufacturing processes, and different forms of fighting formations were adopted, the material, shape, and means of grip...
The aspis was a round shield with a big bowl and a substantially reinforced, virtually flat rim. The shield measured between 35 and 43 inches (90–110 cm) in diameter. Glued together, the shield was made of thin pieces of wood. Fine leather coated the inside of the aspis, which also had a riveted brass clasp and a leather strap at the edge. A sheet ...
The Homeric aspis shields were likely constructed from many layers of leather that were laminated with glue and then stitched to a wicker weave. The figure-of-eight shield paintings at Knossos archaeological site show this stitching vividly. This shield had a large protrusion and was likely fashioned from bronze and rawhide. The shield’s edges were...
After the battle, it was customary for the victorious general to dedicate a shield with an inscription to one of the shrines. Many of these shields have been found at Olympia. Some have the entire front lined with bronze, others only the rim. All non-metallic parts of these shields have disappeared, although many of the interior fittings have been ...
May 14, 2024 · The aspis shield was a core element of battlefield equipment for hundreds of years, yet it didn’t suddenly emerge from nowhere, rather it evolved gradually over time. It’s believed this ancient Greek shield was an evolution of earlier, smaller round shields used by soldiers during the early Archaic period (from around 800 BC).
Jun 25, 2019 · The association of this shield with the Greek “hoplite” is ubiquitous. In later generations, in fact, ancient authors drew a direct line between the shield which was by then referred to as a hoplon and the hoplite. Diodorus Siculus straightforwardly says that they “had been called hoplites on account of their shield the hoplon ” (15.44.3).
May 24, 2024 · As far back as the eighth century BC, the ancient Greeks had invented a large, round shield called an aspis that would serve as an essential part of warfare through the Hellenistic era. The designs, or blazons, on these shields would strike fear in the hearts of their enemies. Often called an “Argive” shield, it not only protected its owner ...
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Spartan hoplites were often depicted using a kopis, instead of the xiphos, in Athenian art, as the kopis was seen as a quintessential “bad guys” weapon in Greek eyes. Disocver more about the greek culture from the website of the greek art shop of Hellenic Art. The Greek Hoplites carried a shield (aspis), linen armor (linothorax) or muscle ...
