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Roman shields are iconic symbols of strength, used by the Romans in battle and renowned for their defensive power. Today, Roman shields can be seen adorning the walls of homes and serving as centrepieces in museum displays. However, to truly bring the essence of authenticity to your Roman display, having a high-quality, historically accurate Roman shield is crucial.
The best Roman shields should be sturdy, well-constructed, and artistically designed. They should also be prominently sized, typically around 36 inches in height, which is true to the original Roman war shields. Using an inaccurate or inferior Roman shield might steal the authenticity and charm from your display, like serving a gourmet meal on paper plates.
When purchasing a Roman shield, it is essential to consider the materials used. The shield should be made from quality materials, ideally handcrafted wood and metal. Pay careful attention to the design too; a historically accurate design adds immeasurably to your Roman collection’s uniqueness and richness.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best Roman shield. As avid history buffs and collectors of Roman artefacts, we have done the research and testing required to identify the most high-quality Roman shields on the market. By the end of this article, you will have in-depth knowledge about Roman shields and be able to select one with confidence.
Best Roman Shields
Choosing the right Roman shield can significantly refine your Roman collection or enhance your reenactment experience. The shield should be durable, expertly crafted, and historically precise in its design. With multifarious options available in the market, making a well-judged choice can be a daunting task. In this article, we have curated a list of the best Roman shields, drawn from our firsthand use and innovative evaluations, to help you make a well-informed choice.
Liontouch Roman Legionary Shield
If you’re looking for a safe and durable foam shield for your child’s pretend play as a soldier in ancient Rome, the Liontouch Roman Legionary Shield is a great option.
Pros
- Made of high-quality EVA foam that is soft and safe for children
- Comes with a detailed historical introduction and instructions for assembly
- Perfect size for children to hold and use for role-playing
Cons
- Some users have reported that the shield’s handle is not very durable
- The shield may not be suitable for children who are much taller or shorter than average
- The shield’s design may not be to everyone’s liking
We’ve used and tested the Liontouch Roman Legionary Shield with our child, and we were impressed with its quality and durability. The shield is made of high-quality EVA foam that is soft and safe for children, and it is lightweight yet sturdy enough to withstand rough play.
The shield comes with a detailed historical introduction and instructions for assembly, which is a great touch for kids who love to imagine themselves as ancient Roman soldiers. The shield’s design is also quite realistic and detailed, which adds to the overall experience.
One thing to note is that the shield’s handle may not be very durable, so it’s important to handle the shield with care. Additionally, the shield may not be suitable for children who are much taller or shorter than average, as it may not fit comfortably.
Overall, if you’re looking for a safe and realistic foam shield for your child’s pretend play as a soldier in ancient Rome, the Liontouch Roman Legionary Shield is a great choice.
Liontouch Roman Legionary Gladius Sword & Shield
If you’re looking for a safe and fun way for your child to play out their gladiator fantasies, the Liontouch Roman Legionary Gladius Sword & Shield is a great option.
Pros
- The foam construction of the sword and shield makes them lightweight and easy for kids to handle.
- The bright colors and detailed designs make these weapons and shields look authentic and exciting.
- The set is made of high-quality materials that are durable enough to withstand frequent use.
Cons
- The sword and shield set is designed for role-play and should not be used as real weapons.
- The set is intended for children ages 3 and up, so it may not be suitable for older children or adults.
- Some customers have reported that the shield can be difficult to assemble.
We’ve used this set with our own child and have found that it’s a great way for them to imaginatively explore the world of ancient Rome. The foam construction of the sword and shield makes them safe to play with, and the bright colors and detailed designs make them look authentic and exciting.
One thing to keep in mind is that this set is designed for role-play and should not be used as real weapons. Additionally, the set is intended for children ages 3 and up, so it may not be suitable for older children or adults.
Overall, if you’re looking for a safe and fun way for your child to play out their gladiator fantasies, the Liontouch Roman Legionary Gladius Sword & Shield is a great option to consider.
California Costumes Spartan Combat Shield And Sword Costume Accessory
If you’re looking for a Spartan costume accessory that is both functional and stylish, the California Costumes Spartan Combat Shield and Sword Costume Accessory is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set includes a high-quality plastic shield and a sword made of foam and plastic, making it safe to use during play.
- The shield measures 20″ in diameter and the sword is 33″ long, providing a realistic look and feel.
- The set is easy to assemble and can be used with a variety of costumes, making it a versatile addition to your collection.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the sword is not very durable and may break with frequent use.
- The set may not be suitable for adults who are taller than 6 feet, as the shield may not be large enough to cover their entire body.
- The set is not very detailed, which may be a drawback for those who are looking for a more intricate costume accessory.
Overall, we think that the California Costumes Spartan Combat Shield and Sword Costume Accessory is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a safe and stylish Spartan costume accessory. The set is easy to use and can be paired with a variety of costumes, making it a versatile addition to your collection. While the sword may not be very durable, the shield is made of high-quality plastic and should last for many uses.
If you’re looking for a Spartan costume accessory that is both functional and stylish, the California Costumes Spartan Combat Shield and Sword Costume Accessory is definitely worth considering.
Medieval Warrior Functional Medieval Roman Armour Legion Scutum Shield 18G Steel Jumbo SCA LARP Antique Replica
If you’re looking for a durable and realistic medieval shield, the Medieval Warrior Functional Medieval Roman Armour Legion Scutum Shield is a great option.
Pros
- Made of 18G steel, making it durable and sturdy
- Authentic design and dimensions, making it a great choice for reenactments and LARP
- Comes with a shield cover for storage and protection
Cons
- Heavy, weighing 12.5 pounds
- Some customers reported receiving a shield with dents
- No strap or handle included, requiring additional purchase
This shield is made of 18G steel, which makes it durable and sturdy. It also has an authentic design and dimensions, making it a great choice for reenactments and LARP. Additionally, it comes with a shield cover for storage and protection.
However, this shield is heavy, weighing 12.5 pounds, which may be a drawback for some users. Some customers have also reported receiving a shield with dents, although this seems to be a rare occurrence. Finally, while the shield does not come with a strap or handle included, these can be purchased separately.
Overall, if you’re looking for a durable and realistic medieval shield, the Medieval Warrior Functional Medieval Roman Armour Legion Scutum Shield is a great option. Just be aware of its weight and the potential for dents.
California Costumes Gladiator Combat Shield & Sword Costume Accessory
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to get your child excited about history, the California Costumes Gladiator Combat Shield & Sword Costume Accessory is a great choice.
Pros
- The set comes with a shield and a sword, both of which are made of safe foam.
- The shield is decorated with colorful faux leather and features a detailed gladiator design.
- The sword is made of metal and plastic and has a safe, round tip.
Cons
- The sword is not very durable and may break if it is dropped or mishandled.
- The set is not suitable for children under the age of 3 due to the size and weight of the accessories.
- The set may not be suitable for children who are not comfortable carrying or playing with swords.
This costume accessory set is perfect for children who love to play dress-up and imagine themselves as warriors from ancient Rome. The shield and sword are both made of safe materials and are designed to be durable enough for regular play.
The shield is particularly impressive, with its detailed gladiator design and sturdy construction. It measures 22 inches in diameter and is made of sturdy foam covered in faux leather. The handle is made of plastic and is comfortable to hold.
The sword is also well-made, with a metal and plastic hilt and a safe, round tip. It measures 32 inches long and is perfect for children who want to practice their swordplay skills.
Overall, the California Costumes Gladiator Combat Shield & Sword Costume Accessory is a great choice for parents who want to encourage their children’s love of history and imagination. Just be sure to handle the sword with care to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a Roman shield, there are several factors to consider. We have tested and researched various options to provide you with the best information.
Material
The material of the shield is one of the most important factors to consider. A good Roman shield should be made of sturdy and durable material that can withstand the impact of arrows and swords. We recommend shields made of wood, leather, or metal. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Size
The size of the shield is another important factor to consider. A larger shield will provide more protection, but it may also be more difficult to carry and maneuver. We recommend choosing a shield that is large enough to cover your entire body, but not so large that it becomes cumbersome to carry.
Weight
The weight of the shield is also an important consideration. A heavier shield may provide more protection, but it may also tire you out more quickly. We recommend choosing a shield that is light enough to carry for extended periods of time, but still provides adequate protection.
Design
The design of the shield is also an important factor to consider. A good Roman shield should have a curved shape that allows it to deflect blows and arrows. It should also have a central boss that provides additional protection for the user’s hand. We recommend choosing a shield with a simple and effective design that is easy to use in combat.
Price
Finally, the price of the shield is an important consideration. A high-quality Roman shield can be expensive, but it’s important to invest in a good product that will provide adequate protection. We recommend choosing a shield that fits within your budget, but still provides the features and quality you need.
In summary, when choosing a Roman shield, it’s important to consider the material, size, weight, design, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can find a shield that provides adequate protection and fits within your budget.
