What it is: A wooden and leather shield used by a Roman soldier in battle Where it is from: Dura-Europos, Syria When it was made: Second century A.D. Related: Babylonian tablet preserves student's ...

The Romans needed a powerful army to invade foreign lands and defend their empire. But what exactly made the Roman army so successful ... and they used a large shield called a scutum to protect ...

The Roman Empire was created and controlled by its soldiers. At the core of the army were its legions ... a 'pilum' (javelin), a helmet, armor, shield and a pack with supplies.

as indicated by the curved edges and central indentation where a shield boss could have been originally placed. Shields would have been an essential element of the military kits of all Roman ...