Shield

A shield is the name used to refer to any object or force used to block something.

Two wooden round shields from Thorsberg moor (3rd century A.D.)

History

The oldest shield known was a device used to block hand weapons and arrows. The shield has been constructed differently over time, even animal hides were used, and the size and weight were largely different as well.

Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, Kite shields were commonly used. The Kite shield is a shield in the form of a kite. Because of the lack of mobility due of the kite shields' weight, kite shields were given up for more mobility and two handed weapons. The Buckler was a shield with a round shape. It was commonly used as a replacement for the heavy Kite shields.

Modern Shields

Shields were used even after gunpowder weapons. the shield is still used by police and army forces today. Many shields now in days are usually made from advanced material, as well as electronics. Shields also vary from not only hand helds, but clothing, such as vests and, in a way, boots and gloves.

Future

The future of shields have varied from multiple ideas and fiction, usually force fields and energy shields.

Shield Media

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  Zulu chief Goza and two of his councillors in war-dress, all with Nguni shields, c.1870. The size of the shield on the chief's left arm denotes his status, and the white colour that he is a married man.

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  Wall painting depicting a Mycenaean Greek "figure eight", 15th century BC, National Archaeological Museum, Athens

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  Elaborate and sophisticated shields from the Philippines.

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  Greek soldiers of Greco-Persian Wars. Left: Greek slinger. Right: hoplites. Middle: hoplite's shield has a curtain which serves as a protection from arrows.

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  Two wooden round shields survived at Thorsberg moor (3rd century AD)

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  Soldiers of the Khmer Empire use round shields. Located at the Bayon temple(12th/13th century).

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  Shield bearer in the Croatian 18th century tournament Sinjska alka

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  Ballistic shield, NIJ Level IIIA

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  U.S. Navy Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC) fire a gun shield-equipped Minigun

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  Image from Hatshepsut's expedition to Punt showing Egyptians soldiers with shields (wood/animal skin). 15th century BC. Temple of Hathor Deir el-Bahari