@@JoseCastro-fn9xs This was my first thought as well. As a non-sheep type of peasant I would like to get one. To try it out in the rather opposite direction on (toward typical users of it) when rough time will come.
@@HanSolo__ I'd still glue 3 of them together and then cover the inside with an inch thick layer of quilted spider silk (which I would be able to afford in the same universe that I can afford a riot shield) for cushioning, and then train myself to be able to handle the weight with 5 sand bags tied on until I can forget I am wearing it, then toss away those 5 sandbags, while also doing some wrist conditioning to better handle shock.
Oh yes I forgot the most important part, soak the cloth in fire retarding liquid. Now you may be thinking "With armor that tough, even if you grow yourself into that shield the maximum bullet that would stop would take a whole mattress of cushioning to keep the shock from breaking your arm." But no actually, the purpose is just for it to take longer for the shield to be destroyed by the same standard expectations. Besides, I'd only be dealing with brigands. What's the worst anti tank level weapons they could have? A AR-15?
@@ventricity i think the pointy ends you are referring to are just the javelins those warriors carry into battle, tho I never knew if they held em with the shield or if there were straps to hold a bunch on the shield (I propend towards the latter case)
@John Saf dude, it's pjzza shape. Stop crying about it, pizza always wins. And by the way, how can you say "most effective"? It depends on the situation 100% of the time, so there's nothing that you can use with top efficiency all of the time. And pizza, accept it. Pizza.
@waddietwo You are a wise men if you know the knowledge I have based on my English. English is not my native language but, I be happy to continue our conversation in Latin, Greek,Dutch, French, German,Korean, Russian or if it please you Mandarin. I do not claim I have the knowledge about what expressions they use in Rome but, what I do know is this Pizza does not orginate from italy. The orgins start in Ancient Egypt and only in the 18 century the tomato reached Napels. Even then not many italians did eat it. Only after it became a hugh thing in the Usa did it became the thing we know today. There are alot of exprassions about food in Italy but, non about food that are not truly italian. That will hurt there pride. Messina is not Rome but, there pride is the same.
Good list - and one I largely agree with. One small detail regarding the "Viking" shield (or Germanic late iron age/ early medieval shield): You can't really say, that its grip is set vertically, because it's not. The great advantage of a round boss-shield is the fact, that you can hold it just about any way you like without shifting the balance and you can change the alignment of your grip almost without effort. We are so used to seeing this shield presented with the grip held vertically, that we have just internalized it, but while a verticsl grip makes sense, if you are holding it out in front of you at an angle, as you would in a duel or other single combat, in battle the story is different. In a shield wall it makes a lot more sense to hold the grip horizontally. It is less tiring (same as with the Scutum) and it makes the wall of interlocking shields far stronger. With grips held vertically, it is easy for a hard blow to open gaps in the wall, because the interlocking shields will have a tendency to pivot inwards, not so much if the shields are gripped horizontally.
@Aiden Smith even with overlapping shields, it is very easy to force an opening in a shield wall, if the grips are held vertical. It is true, that there is a tendency for the shield to pivot inwards at the top or bottom, if the grip is held horizontal, but this movement is much easier for the person using the shield to counteract with his shoulder or knee than it is to counter a sideways pivot.
@@livrasyt166 That is true.. and both shields are multi purpose. However both shields are only good in their time period as well. However I think Metaron was looking at just full versatility and not time period. The Heater Shield has way more ways to be used and is better in this context.
@@0Zolrender0 well yeah, that was my point. The heater shield is a very good shield for self defence and also for duels. And thanks to the fullplate armor it was a really good shield for the battlefield too.
4:56 Fun fact, the rectangular shield came to be the main Legion "standard issue" as part of Gaius Marius' many reforms of the Legion. (A very under-rated general btw who was unfortunate to have a pupil - Ceasar - who took all the space in the history books during that time frame). What we think of the Legion to-day, from organization, doctrine to standard tactics is largely down to him. Anyway, part of the reforms was "Speed of Movement" - the Legion needed to get where they were needed much faster than before. As such, he introduced the contubernia (of 8 men) as the smallest unit in the Legion, each of which were only allowed 1 mule between them (thereby significantly reducing the baggage train). This meant that shields had to be carried in person, slung on the back, on the march rather than piled on a wagon which no longer existed. Marius found, however, that this was not feasible for the oval shields that were quite prevalent at the time as the two ends would alternatively slam the back of the neck and clip the back of the heels of the legionary as they walked, so he ordered that the tops and bottoms of the ovals be chopped off there and then in the legions he commanded so that they would all be rectangular...and that is how the tower shield became the "standard" which we think off when we picture the Romans in our mind's eye.
It's very effective, but in a single specific situation and, even in that situation (frontal close formation fight) it had been finally made obsolete simply by a longer spear.
Yeah definitely not in first place.It's heavy.But it has wide range and you could bash someone and do heavy damage bcz it was covered with metal.An iconic and badass shield,sure in the top 10 list
Yeah there are a lot of fascinating shields that didn't make this list because they are very specialized. Like the Hoplon, the Lantern Shield, Polish Hussar Shield, or African Madu.
There are 3 different obscure shields I'd like to draw attention to: 1. Hualcana- A trapezoid shaped shield witha lenght of farbric hanging from the base. Used by the Inca 2. Chimalli- A round strapped shield with a long fan of feathers hanging downwards, meant to obscure the wielders movements. Used by the Aztec. 3. Arctic body shield- A shield which envelops the user, protecting his back, sides and arms, made from thick seal hide and bone slats. Used by the Chukchi, Koryak, Yupik and Iñupiaq peoples.
What's missing here? Modern police shields! With modern materials you get the size and coverage of a scutum, half the weight, possibly bullet proof or bullet resistant, and potentially transparent (fully or just in some areas) so you don't block your view. Seriously, we're living in the golden age of shields. (imagine any historical shield made of of lexan.)
yep, historic shields are cooler tho and more interesting purpose-wise, without guns different weapons and fighting styles used were way more peculiar and varied, even if we have more refined arts and weapons now medieval fantasy and duels will always be more interesting than modern weapons
@@Bird_Dog00 Me too. Wicker shields are interesting - there were some pretty large variants (like the Persian one, 'Spara' wasn't it?) and I imagine the material compromises giving you less protection against piercing weapons but rewards you with way less weight, allowing you to carry a bigger shield ... It would be interesting though to hear just HOW effective or ineffective the mesh would be at stopping weapons and projectiles.
Wicker shields? Really? They might be best compared with African hide-covered shields. Used by infantry against Greeks or Romans, the wicker shields were poor protection. Against Crusaders (or medieval) European soldiers armed with longbows and crossbows? I guess they were fine for some things, maybe they were also used to shade soldiers from the sun?
@@andrewstrongman305 I think a mesh of wicker is much sturdier than you might think - I imagine (can't claim to know) that it would be rather reliable in stopping cuts and strikes while being very light and cheap. I fear though that piercing objects would have an easier time with this design.
A very good dissertation! This is why I love your channel; you have a very scholarly and even scientific approach to evaluating things, and you are upfront in your distinction between fact and opinion. Molto buona!
@@ok5916 I am having difficulty finding the proper article, but I believe that the O'Donovan's shield is the earliest surviving example, followed by another un-named example from the 16th century, and a manuscript by Monstrelet describes Irish foot-soldiers at Rouen in 1418 as 'having only a stocking and shoe on one leg and foot, with the other quite naked, having no trousers. They had targets, short javelins and large knives of a strange sort (the knife being a Scain).
U should do a video like this Best infantry sheild Best sheild in formation Best sheild for Calvary Best sheild for personal defense I’d be very interested in hearing ur opinion
My armor is contempt My shield is disgust My sword is hatred In the Emperor's name Let none survive On a more serious note, the Viking shield should be much higher ranked.
The grip on the Viking shield makes it quite weaker, since when you get hit on the side you can't hold your shield in place. It also has a few more unique techniques that you can do with that, but in general it's not as good, imo
I loved that one formation where the Roman legionaires are just like: I AM THE FORTIFICATIONS Edit: i meant the one where it was like a testudo formation, but had legionnaires standing on top of it as well
"You could also use it as a centered boss shield... and we have proof of this" - Shows iconography of a monkey fighting a man at arms and some weird tentacle monster Yeehaw
Fun fact, the buckler is actually where the term "swashbuckler" comes from, combined with the archaic term "swash" which meant to swagger with a drawn sword.
The best shield: "my sword is my shield." Edit: I haven't seen you, Raf, in such a long time. Definitely going to catch up on your older, pizza loving, videos.
Another great video! As a big fan of history and military history im mesmerized about the big effort you put in each of your videos! Keep on the brilliant work!
Great shirt! Roma Eterna! Great lessons, just what I have been looking for. Next: lessons on how to make shields, please! And I mostly agree with you. Excellent research job! Bravo!
Where are the non European shields? For example the Rattan shield was said to stop bullets. Bamboo screens as well from the Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese. The Mongols and various nomads used an archer shield that is shaped in a way where you can still use your bow. Chinese Han dynasty crossbowmen were protected with large shields as well, in which either ji pikemen holding shields or similar to European pavices. Also would be nice to mention African shields which the Zulus were very effect at using to fight their contemporary enemies (before the British) What about slinger shields from various cultures? Modern riot shields?
What if you had a palvese with a cut out, vertical slit extending from the top of the shield down towards the middle of it, and at the bottom it had a long metal spike. That way an archer could both aim and fire through the slit, and the single spike at the bottom would allow the archer to swivel the shield in it's place if necessary so you could adjust your aim from side to side and fire "through" your shield while covering a maximum amount of your body. Perhaps even your head if the shield is tall enough or if you are crouching behind it.
The statement that the grip is different in the roman scutum than the norse round shield doesn´t hold. If the shield is round the user can decide if the grip is horizontal or vertical. I´ve seen kite shields as well with multiple options to carry... The kite shield is still my favoruite.
Been waiting for a video like this! Id love to see one for Fantasy Shields as well. Great topic and great video. Its amazing to see the progression of how the shield has grown due to weaponry getting stronger. Defensive items had evolve and change to defend against the growing arsenal of weaponry just like armor. Mabye a future video on Elder Scrolls Shields and how they would truly work in real life.
In Spain we call the Rotella Rodela, and having use it, I can say that yes it's definitely not as tiring as bigger shields (for instance, it's lighter than the heater shield) Spanish Rodelas where even made out of full metal, in order to them bullet proof, this way, the spanish Rodeleros could provide their fellow pikemen cover from.arquebus fire (and protect themeselves aswell of ). Very cool shield, Im glad to see it here.
14 dislikes? Jesus, what's up with all the hate. I mean you have to have alot of hate & petty emotions if you hate on a video like this. It's his opinion & it's a well done video... end of story. Well do e brother, you have a great channel. Much love & respect
I bought a domed rotella about a year ago for LARPing and has quickly become my favorite shield Recently I've started keeping It at work with a rapier so anyone wants to pick a fight can know I will defend my honor at swordpoint
Great video as always, but I think poor Shad's heart might drop a little when he sees #3! The only things that immediately come to my mind when considering my interpretation of this list would be, firstly, the utility of the kite shield on horseback, effectively covering the entire right side of the rider. Second, I was under the impression (or perhaps Shadiversity has brainwashed me!) that the kite shield had similarly variable configurations to the heater shield, as you mentioned. Other than that, I'm a tad surprised the Lantern shield didn't make an appearance, just for some Italian spirit! The channel AHF recently has been doing some sparring with one - I'm sure you'd find it interesting if you haven't seen it already! But, I digress. Keep up the great work, Metatron!
In case anybody else has the same question I did, according to Wikipedia the threaded rod stored in a leather sheath on the back of several of the targes shown (such as at 10:43) is likely the spike that could be attached to the boss when needed, but stowed there otherwise.
I agree with your top 10. The way you presented this and your logical arguments for and against rationaled the placings. i was suprised by a few but after listening to your explanations, came to agreement. Your number one was also my number one. By the time I watched your number 8, I was thinking what was at one and i did think this would be it.
One of my personal favourite shields is the Greek hoplon shield. The warriors who wore it were called hoplites, that shows how important the shield was. Big round shields, strapped and very strong they were the backbone of the phalanx formation that dominated battlefields in the eastern Mediterranean for about two hundred years.
Been watching a few chinese tv series and films and playing the new total war three kingdoms and there is obviously a big difference in the arms and armour of the soldiers, will you be able to do a video or two on ancient chinese warfare, especially throw in some chinese pronunciations aswell, cheers
Great info. Here's something you may not have considered. The buckler is not so much meant for blocking as it is deflecting (yes they are kind of the same). But if you're in a dueling situation, your attention is not divided between multiple opponents. That allows you to adopt a more offensive style of fighting. When you think of it just as a small shield for blocking, it just seems inferior to a larger shield. But as a semi-offensive tool to help you penetrate defenses, it has an advantage over larger shields. It can be used in a more active way, to quickly swat away enemy attacks. Thank you for your research and info :)
It's very effective, but in a single specific situation and, even in that situation (frontal close-formation fight) it had been finally made obsolete simply by a longer spear.
@@youtubevoice1050 If the enemy can't get past the point of your long spear they cannot reach your body with their shorter spear or sword, so you don't need a shield. And you need both hands to hold your long spear anyway. Shame about those pesky arrows though.
Metatron, I´m glad you mentioned pavese. It would be really interesting if you will do a video about pavese and Hussites (and all of their tactics). I can´t believe you somehow skipped this interesting part of medieval European history....
the kite shield actually existed with a center grip option. some were strapped, and some were not. the heater shield was almost as heavy as the kite shield because it was thicker. the heater shield was used to protect the user from stuff the armor could not like armor combating weapons as the mace or the warhammer. that's why it was thicker, it had to be durable enough to withstand those mighty blows. in my opinion, the kite and heater shield should be in the first place, cuz they are equally good, just made for different jobs. nice video btw, opened me up for many different types of shields i didn't know before.
My favorite kind of shield are 1- The Pavese (because there are so many sizes and variants that technically becomes the most versatille kind of shield, and because I really like the shape and the kind of drawings the medieval people did on them. 2- The Rodela 3- The Targone (medieval scutum, yass) 4- The rectangular scutum 5- The Hoplon/Aspis 6- The Heater shield 7- The Pelta 8-The Kite Shield 9- The Viking shield 10- The Jousting shield (they're very pretty. That's it.
Totally agree on the heater shield. It was the best for the late medieval period due to armor improvements, which you pointed out clearly. I would always pick a strapped shield as well. Nice work as always.
I also like the strapped shields, because I’ve used shields before and center grip shields tend to move around a lot and it becomes a weakness for the person using it because they can’t brace for blows in any other spot other than the center. Strapped shields can offer more protection because your arm has more surface area holding it up and stopping objects from tipping the shield over if the only thing pushing against the oncoming object is your hand, and a person with that kind of shield wouldn’t do so well against a person with an axe or a hammer, while a person with a strapped shield would likely be able to use it more effectively against weapons with a lot of momentum because it distributes the force down the forearm. You could hit the edge of a center grip shield and the person using it would have to deal with all the force you put into the blow and the leverage making it much harder or even impossible to stop from tipping over, unless you can brace the shield against your body to stop oncoming blows, which you could also do with a strapped shield.
Renaissance condottieri often used small units of sword and buckler troops to protect their crossbowmen and arquebusiers in close combat. IMO, an underrated troop type.
My only experience using a shield was as a US Navy Military Policeman . We were trained in riot/crowd control with batons and clear plastic riot shields . Our technique was basically shield wall and testudo type defenses . Ciao , Noble Ones !
Btw another awesome thing about the targe. The decoration you see on a lot of targes that include the little rivets on top of the face of the shield I have blocked an attack and the rivets actually kinda slowed down the disengage, like using a blank faced round shield compared to my targe is actually every different.
I know it would not fit the theme of the video but the most effective shields in history are definitely modern riot shields. They have a similar design to that of the scutum only much lighter, can withstand much more and can be see-through. There are different designs to withstand different weapons, some of them even being bullet proof.
An important point was missed in comparing the Norse and Frankish centre grip shields to the strapped on Rotella. If an arrow, bolt, spear, etc. penetrates the wrong part of the Rotella it will hit the wearer's arm. In contrast a centre grip shield can be held at arm's length from the body so the projectile must travel further through the shield, dragging on the shield and slowing, before hitting the wearer. Therefore, the Rotella has to be thicker and heavier (thus offsetting it's ease of carry) to provide equivalent protection against projectiles. Targes were generally very thick shields, with their smaller size keeping the weight within reason; however, their small size would also reduce the protection against incoming projectiles.
also rotella: often made of steel and bullet proof. imho rotella is the best shield. not the least because it was in use up until the 1650s. known to the spanish as rodela, the rodeleros being the main conquistadores. known in the german speaking area as rondartsche ("round targe"), with whole platoons of rondartschiers fighting in the early 30yrs war. the armory of graz is full of 17th cent. rotellas.
“Shield actually do protects you”
Hollywood movie: *suprise Pika chu face*
He should put the Police Riot Shield as a No Zero. It does not obscure anything it covers cops quite well and it's very light.
And riot shield is great for bashing the common peasant
@@JoseCastro-fn9xs This was my first thought as well. As a non-sheep type of peasant I would like to get one. To try it out in the rather opposite direction on (toward typical users of it) when rough time will come.
@@HanSolo__ I'd still glue 3 of them together and then cover the inside with an inch thick layer of quilted spider silk (which I would be able to afford in the same universe that I can afford a riot shield) for cushioning, and then train myself to be able to handle the weight with 5 sand bags tied on until I can forget I am wearing it, then toss away those 5 sandbags, while also doing some wrist conditioning to better handle shock.
Oh yes I forgot the most important part, soak the cloth in fire retarding liquid.
Now you may be thinking "With armor that tough, even if you grow yourself into that shield the maximum bullet that would stop would take a whole mattress of cushioning to keep the shock from breaking your arm." But no actually, the purpose is just for it to take longer for the shield to be destroyed by the same standard expectations.
Besides, I'd only be dealing with brigands. What's the worst anti tank level weapons they could have? A AR-15?
And in movies, dont forget the most effective of them all
The Plot Shield!!!
@Lord Voldemort Thats Right!
Villain: STRONGEST SHEILD IN THE REALM!
Hero: PLOT SHEILD!
One to rule them all
Game of thrones cough cough
As armor became better shields became useless
So really people just use plot armor
*Metatron:* Kite Shield is #3
*Shad wants to know your location*
But what about DRAGONS
Shields are great, until you leave them at home. Remember Crecy.
Hey do I know who are you?
Hi Sensei! the perfect example. if the genoese had their "pavesi" with them, who knows, maybe the battle could have gone differently...
That duel shield looks amazing for fantasy design, basically a spear with a full swept guard
Why haven't we seen this type of shield in more fantasy worlds? This would be awesome if you could pick this as a weapon in a D&D game!
@GamorneiOne you need a reasonable DM for having such possibilities allowed
Here is another Cool Shield mittelaltergazette.de/mag/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/armschild.jpg
it looks like african shields, that also tend to have pointy ends
@@ventricity i think the pointy ends you are referring to are just the javelins those warriors carry into battle, tho I never knew if they held em with the shield or if there were straps to hold a bunch on the shield (I propend towards the latter case)
Of course #1 is the heater shield, it has the triangular shape of a slice of pizza. This is reason enough.
@John Saf dude, it's pjzza shape. Stop crying about it, pizza always wins. And by the way, how can you say "most effective"? It depends on the situation 100% of the time, so there's nothing that you can use with top efficiency all of the time. And pizza, accept it. Pizza.
@John Saf r/wooosh
Now I really want some fantasy character to use a kite shield with a pizza slice painted on it lol
@waddietwo Don't know in what Rome that would be but, not the one in Italië.
@waddietwo You are a wise men if you know the knowledge I have based on my English. English is not my native language but, I be happy to continue our conversation in Latin, Greek,Dutch, French, German,Korean, Russian or if it please you Mandarin. I do not claim I have the knowledge about what expressions they use in Rome but, what I do know is this Pizza does not orginate from italy. The orgins start in Ancient Egypt and only in the 18 century the tomato reached Napels. Even then not many italians did eat it. Only after it became a hugh thing in the Usa did it became the thing we know today. There are alot of exprassions about food in Italy but, non about food that are not truly italian. That will hurt there pride. Messina is not Rome but, there pride is the same.
Good list - and one I largely agree with.
One small detail regarding the "Viking" shield (or Germanic late iron age/ early medieval shield): You can't really say, that its grip is set vertically, because it's not. The great advantage of a round boss-shield is the fact, that you can hold it just about any way you like without shifting the balance and you can change the alignment of your grip almost without effort. We are so used to seeing this shield presented with the grip held vertically, that we have just internalized it, but while a verticsl grip makes sense, if you are holding it out in front of you at an angle, as you would in a duel or other single combat, in battle the story is different. In a shield wall it makes a lot more sense to hold the grip horizontally. It is less tiring (same as with the Scutum) and it makes the wall of interlocking shields far stronger. With grips held vertically, it is easy for a hard blow to open gaps in the wall, because the interlocking shields will have a tendency to pivot inwards, not so much if the shields are gripped horizontally.
@Aiden Smith even with overlapping shields, it is very easy to force an opening in a shield wall, if the grips are held vertical.
It is true, that there is a tendency for the shield to pivot inwards at the top or bottom, if the grip is held horizontal, but this movement is much easier for the person using the shield to counteract with his shoulder or knee than it is to counter a sideways pivot.
Some channel on YT: “Top 10 Fortnite TH-camrs who SWORE”
This Italian Gentleman: “Hold my Pizza, Mamma Mia.”
Top ten hottest fortnite skins
JSPumpkinKing *hold my Starbucks*
You made Shad angry, you did not put the kite shield at number one. But I agree, the heater shield is number one.
I propose a duel, let the God decide which is better!
Metatron explained why the kite shield was not as good as the later period Heater shield.
Well he is looking for a multi purpose shield.
@@livrasyt166 That is true.. and both shields are multi purpose. However both shields are only good in their time period as well. However I think Metaron was looking at just full versatility and not time period. The Heater Shield has way more ways to be used and is better in this context.
@@0Zolrender0 well yeah, that was my point. The heater shield is a very good shield for self defence and also for duels. And thanks to the fullplate armor it was a really good shield for the battlefield too.
4:56 Fun fact, the rectangular shield came to be the main Legion "standard issue" as part of Gaius Marius' many reforms of the Legion. (A very under-rated general btw who was unfortunate to have a pupil - Ceasar - who took all the space in the history books during that time frame). What we think of the Legion to-day, from organization, doctrine to standard tactics is largely down to him.
Anyway, part of the reforms was "Speed of Movement" - the Legion needed to get where they were needed much faster than before. As such, he introduced the contubernia (of 8 men) as the smallest unit in the Legion, each of which were only allowed 1 mule between them (thereby significantly reducing the baggage train). This meant that shields had to be carried in person, slung on the back, on the march rather than piled on a wagon which no longer existed. Marius found, however, that this was not feasible for the oval shields that were quite prevalent at the time as the two ends would alternatively slam the back of the neck and clip the back of the heels of the legionary as they walked, so he ordered that the tops and bottoms of the ovals be chopped off there and then in the legions he commanded so that they would all be rectangular...and that is how the tower shield became the "standard" which we think off when we picture the Romans in our mind's eye.
WHERE'S THE GREEK HOPLON SHIELD?
Ah,you disappoint me!
It would fall behind a scutum: probably heavier, narrower range of protection and can't be as effectively pointed on ground when standing your ground
It's very effective, but in a single specific situation and, even in that situation (frontal close formation fight) it had been finally made obsolete simply by a longer spear.
Yeah definitely not in first place.It's heavy.But it has wide range and you could bash someone and do heavy damage bcz it was covered with metal.An iconic and badass shield,sure in the top 10 list
Yeah there are a lot of fascinating shields that didn't make this list because they are very specialized. Like the Hoplon, the Lantern Shield, Polish Hussar Shield, or African Madu.
@@seanhembree6154 The hide shield used by light cavlry such as the Lakota Native Americans .
You should do the most effective artillery type weapons in history like talk about trebuchets, hwacha, balista etc.
We already know that trebuchet is the superiour siege engine.
@@tomsrobitis9290 150 attack, baby
you mean in the Medival ore Antiquity ?why modernArtillery is on a Different Level .
@@tomsrobitis9290 Untill efecktive Cannons was invented .
Then was the Trebuchet Fast outdated .
What's a hwacha?
There are 3 different obscure shields I'd like to draw attention to:
1. Hualcana- A trapezoid shaped shield witha lenght of farbric hanging from the base. Used by the Inca
2. Chimalli- A round strapped shield with a long fan of feathers hanging downwards, meant to obscure the wielders movements. Used by the Aztec.
3. Arctic body shield- A shield which envelops the user, protecting his back, sides and arms, made from thick seal hide and bone slats. Used by the Chukchi, Koryak, Yupik and Iñupiaq peoples.
What's missing here? Modern police shields! With modern materials you get the size and coverage of a scutum, half the weight, possibly bullet proof or bullet resistant, and potentially transparent (fully or just in some areas) so you don't block your view.
Seriously, we're living in the golden age of shields.
(imagine any historical shield made of of lexan.)
yep, historic shields are cooler tho and more interesting purpose-wise, without guns different weapons and fighting styles used were way more peculiar and varied, even if we have more refined arts and weapons now medieval fantasy and duels will always be more interesting than modern weapons
We're living in times of Roman Empire. It's the global influence of the USA.
Shad's list be like:
10 kite shield
9 heater shield
8 kite shield
7 kite shield
6 dragons
5 kite shield
... blah blah you know the drill
*1 Shield with MACHICULATIONS*
No, a KITE shield with DRAGON scales and MACHICULATIONS!!
He do be like that
If he could have a kite shield with a pommel to finish your opponent justly, he would.
I like the fact that you do your homework on these topics. Keep up the vids my friend we need them.
What do you think of the wicker shield in terms of effectiveness (mostly regarding the material)?
Loved the video, shields are awesome! =)
Schilde sind die besten Waffen!
MagicBiber
A good question. I would like to see it answerd on this channel as well.
@@Bird_Dog00 Me too. Wicker shields are interesting - there were some pretty large variants (like the Persian one, 'Spara' wasn't it?) and I imagine the material compromises giving you less protection against piercing weapons but rewards you with way less weight, allowing you to carry a bigger shield ...
It would be interesting though to hear just HOW effective or ineffective the mesh would be at stopping weapons and projectiles.
Wicker shields? Really? They might be best compared with African hide-covered shields. Used by infantry against Greeks or Romans, the wicker shields were poor protection. Against Crusaders (or medieval) European soldiers armed with longbows and crossbows?
I guess they were fine for some things, maybe they were also used to shade soldiers from the sun?
@@andrewstrongman305 I think a mesh of wicker is much sturdier than you might think - I imagine (can't claim to know) that it would be rather reliable in stopping cuts and strikes while being very light and cheap.
I fear though that piercing objects would have an easier time with this design.
If you think about it, armour is just the venom symbiote of shields, if that makes sense.
Yeah, I guess you could say that. :D
Soon we'll have energy shields
shutup
A very good dissertation! This is why I love your channel; you have a very scholarly and even scientific approach to evaluating things, and you are upfront in your distinction between fact and opinion. Molto buona!
This video made me cry... I love these old fashioned videos!😢
Beautiful
Just saying, but the Targe was also used in Ireland. The earliest known Targe comes from Ireland.
Source?
@@ok5916 I am having difficulty finding the proper article, but I believe that the O'Donovan's shield is the earliest surviving example, followed by another un-named example from the 16th century, and a manuscript by Monstrelet describes Irish foot-soldiers at Rouen in 1418 as 'having only a stocking and shoe on one leg and foot, with the other quite naked, having no trousers. They had targets, short javelins and large knives of a strange sort (the knife being a Scain).
David Dowdall cheers
I love this dude straight off the bat
"Alright governor" already happy
U should do a video like this
Best infantry sheild
Best sheild in formation
Best sheild for Calvary
Best sheild for personal defense
I’d be very interested in hearing ur opinion
if you paid any attention to his commentary you should be able to draw those conclusions already.
@@BtugaRula Not really... Is the roman shield better for infantry than the viking shield?
Those angles and different shots had me laughing so hard. Golden.
Kite Shield only #3? I can hear Shad pounding the keyboard from eastern United States.
Isn't he like Australian?
@@joevenespineli6389 he is
@@kiethepl33p45 Alright
@@joevenespineli6389 Craig lives in East USA, he's saying he can hear him from there
@@donovancordero551 alright
My armor is contempt
My shield is disgust
My sword is hatred
In the Emperor's name
Let none survive
On a more serious note, the Viking shield should be much higher ranked.
dem humies is bangin on about dere empra again! lets krump em gits!
I play Catachans. My armour is my ripped pecs. My shield is my t-shirt (optional).
The grip on the Viking shield makes it quite weaker, since when you get hit on the side you can't hold your shield in place. It also has a few more unique techniques that you can do with that, but in general it's not as good, imo
@@vilebeggar622 You're not supposed to keep it leveled, you're supposed to angle it.
I loved that one formation where the Roman legionaires are just like: I AM THE FORTIFICATIONS
Edit: i meant the one where it was like a testudo formation, but had legionnaires standing on top of it as well
Form Testudo! Now we are safe...
Macedonians had a version that was similar except it bristled with pikes I call it "fuck of cavalry"
@@mondaysinsanity8193 No, a sarissa phalanx, had reaaaally small shields, but yeah, long pikes/sarissoi
@@thejjmulti1401 I wouldn't say really small they were buckles but yeah I forgot Macedonians didnt exactly have hoplites
Nate Hammar smol little gap: oh really you think your safe
I will not buy anything from Starbucks until they sponsor the legendary metatron
You shouldn't buy from Starbucks they don't support the military and veterans.
@@anthonyantinarella3360 Why should they support the military and veterans?
@@anthonyantinarella3360 they support Game of Thrones.
😜
@@RaizanMedia They support shit in your cup of coffee and they call it "a coffee".
I love all shields.
How Shad from Shadiversity feels about swords, I feel about shields.
That sounds reasonable as long as you dont go so far as how Shad feels about machicolations
Loved this,swords and other offensive weapons get all the glory in videos.
"You could also use it as a centered boss shield... and we have proof of this" - Shows iconography of a monkey fighting a man at arms and some weird tentacle monster
Yeehaw
yep, monks drew some weird stuff in manuscript margins.
Fun fact, the buckler is actually where the term "swashbuckler" comes from, combined with the archaic term "swash" which meant to swagger with a drawn sword.
12:50 That's the cutest duellist I've ever seen.
The best shield: "my sword is my shield."
Edit: I haven't seen you, Raf, in such a long time. Definitely going to catch up on your older, pizza loving, videos.
the best shield is throwing a pommel at your opponent
@@ksubota and end them rightly
say that again while missile weapons are raining down
*_*Sees Kite Shield only at Number 3*_*
*Shad:* _REEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!_
cringe
Another great video! As a big fan of history and military history im mesmerized about the big effort you put in each of your videos! Keep on the brilliant work!
Great shirt! Roma Eterna! Great lessons, just what I have been looking for. Next: lessons on how to make shields, please! And I mostly agree with you. Excellent research job! Bravo!
Where are the non European shields? For example the Rattan shield was said to stop bullets. Bamboo screens as well from the Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese. The Mongols and various nomads used an archer shield that is shaped in a way where you can still use your bow. Chinese Han dynasty crossbowmen were protected with large shields as well, in which either ji pikemen holding shields or similar to European pavices. Also would be nice to mention African shields which the Zulus were very effect at using to fight their contemporary enemies (before the British) What about slinger shields from various cultures? Modern riot shields?
Good ol shields. Never fail to impress
8:55 i believe that those sort of oval shaped shields were also a northern italian design called "tabulaccio"
7:00 The romans freaking stood on each other's shield walls?! Holy shit! That's amazing! Was it used for low wall sieges?
What if you had a palvese with a cut out, vertical slit extending from the top of the shield down towards the middle of it, and at the bottom it had a long metal spike.
That way an archer could both aim and fire through the slit, and the single spike at the bottom would allow the archer to swivel the shield in it's place if necessary so you could adjust your aim from side to side and fire "through" your shield while covering a maximum amount of your body. Perhaps even your head if the shield is tall enough or if you are crouching behind it.
That...sounds awesome!
I dunno, but I have seen depictions of some early handcannons/ guns also having a shield built into it.
The statement that the grip is different in the roman scutum than the norse round shield doesn´t hold. If the shield is round the user can decide if the grip is horizontal or vertical.
I´ve seen kite shields as well with multiple options to carry...
The kite shield is still my favoruite.
You forgot the most efective shield in all history, the No U shield, capable of deflecting all incoming atacks
Some refers to this legendary item as mirror
F*ckin Love Train
@@crazydiamondrequiem4236 nice
Been waiting for a video like this! Id love to see one for Fantasy Shields as well. Great topic and great video. Its amazing to see the progression of how the shield has grown due to weaponry getting stronger. Defensive items had evolve and change to defend against the growing arsenal of weaponry just like armor. Mabye a future video on Elder Scrolls Shields and how they would truly work in real life.
my face is my shield, my hair is my sword.
now I kinda want to see you block a mace swing with your shield.
In Spain we call the Rotella Rodela, and having use it, I can say that yes it's definitely not as tiring as bigger shields (for instance, it's lighter than the heater shield)
Spanish Rodelas where even made out of full metal, in order to them bullet proof, this way, the spanish Rodeleros could provide their fellow pikemen cover from.arquebus fire (and protect themeselves aswell of ).
Very cool shield, Im glad to see it here.
Prince Valiant knows what he's doing. ; D
You one of my favorite TH-camrs. It's a shame I was deployed when you were in the states.
14 dislikes? Jesus, what's up with all the hate. I mean you have to have alot of hate & petty emotions if you hate on a video like this. It's his opinion & it's a well done video... end of story. Well do e brother, you have a great channel. Much love & respect
The Targe is probably my favorite thing from this video.
I bought a domed rotella about a year ago for LARPing and has quickly become my favorite shield
Recently I've started keeping It at work with a rapier so anyone wants to pick a fight can know I will defend my honor at swordpoint
*stab*there honor is restored
Great video as always, but I think poor Shad's heart might drop a little when he sees #3!
The only things that immediately come to my mind when considering my interpretation of this list would be, firstly, the utility of the kite shield on horseback, effectively covering the entire right side of the rider.
Second, I was under the impression (or perhaps Shadiversity has brainwashed me!) that the kite shield had similarly variable configurations to the heater shield, as you mentioned.
Other than that, I'm a tad surprised the Lantern shield didn't make an appearance, just for some Italian spirit! The channel AHF recently has been doing some sparring with one - I'm sure you'd find it interesting if you haven't seen it already!
But, I digress. Keep up the great work, Metatron!
Same😂
Number 1 is my favorite for looks and I didn't even realize it was so versatile. Awesome.
First time seeing the intro and.... WOW man that's epic!
your videos are allways great, i would love to see a top 10 military strategies in history
Metraton: best shield
Captain: hold my shield
Spartan: awoooo awoooo....
10 : Duel shield
9 : Norse shield
8 : ???
7 : Frankish shield
7 : Scutum
Explain this Metatron
Thats a normal way to display ties in rankings. They are both equal at 7but take up 2slots.
The Metatron has insulted the honor of the Kite Shield. Shad must now step forward to defend it's honor in a shield duel!
Awesome video governor! Very educational.
Castle with Machiculations are best shield (if u can carry around your own castle with you ;D)
In case anybody else has the same question I did, according to Wikipedia the threaded rod stored in a leather sheath on the back of several of the targes shown (such as at 10:43) is likely the spike that could be attached to the boss when needed, but stowed there otherwise.
Alex Dudman i was wondering! Thanks buddy 🙏
Not much of a fan of top 10 lists but good video nonetheless.
Hope you having fun in the US!
Cheers!
I agree with your top 10. The way you presented this and your logical arguments for and against rationaled the placings. i was suprised by a few but after listening to your explanations, came to agreement. Your number one was also my number one. By the time I watched your number 8, I was thinking what was at one and i did think this would be it.
One of my personal favourite shields is the Greek hoplon shield. The warriors who wore it were called hoplites, that shows how important the shield was. Big round shields, strapped and very strong they were the backbone of the phalanx formation that dominated battlefields in the eastern Mediterranean for about two hundred years.
8:55 What is that Oval shield? Where was it used? I really like that design, I'd love to know more about it!
Been watching a few chinese tv series and films and playing the new total war three kingdoms and there is obviously a big difference in the arms and armour of the soldiers, will you be able to do a video or two on ancient chinese warfare, especially throw in some chinese pronunciations aswell, cheers
in the old days they also had shield bearers who carried big shields for the archers to hide behind
Great info. Here's something you may not have considered.
The buckler is not so much meant for blocking as it is deflecting (yes they are kind of the same). But if you're in a dueling situation, your attention is not divided between multiple opponents. That allows you to adopt a more offensive style of fighting.
When you think of it just as a small shield for blocking, it just seems inferior to a larger shield. But as a semi-offensive tool to help you penetrate defenses, it has an advantage over larger shields.
It can be used in a more active way, to quickly swat away enemy attacks.
Thank you for your research and info :)
Pavese shield: because it was too early to be called "portable trench"
Pavise shields are beast lol
You're amazing! Keep doing what you're doing
What about the Aspis (hoplon) shield?
Yeh, I was expecting the aspis to be on the list as well...
It's very effective, but in a single specific situation and, even in that situation (frontal close-formation fight) it had been finally made obsolete simply by a longer spear.
Neutron Alchemist. How exactly would a longer spear make the shield obsolete?
@@youtubevoice1050 The Macedonian phalanx did. It had been the end of the hoplities, and the difference was a longer spear and a smaller shield.
@@youtubevoice1050 If the enemy can't get past the point of your long spear they cannot reach your body with their shorter spear or sword, so you don't need a shield. And you need both hands to hold your long spear anyway. Shame about those pesky arrows though.
I am a big fan, Metatron. Your videos are entertaining, and informative!
Title as it should be: Top ten most effective Shield IN EUROPEAN HISTORY.
Okay I never heard of the scottish targe but it's cool.
I always enjoy your videos.
Metatron, I´m glad you mentioned pavese. It would be really interesting if you will do a video about pavese and Hussites (and all of their tactics). I can´t believe you somehow skipped this interesting part of medieval European history....
If the roman cutum have a grand-son... it's the pavese? big, able to make a wall and stop "all" the missile weapons.
... ¡Ah! and an excelent vídeo.
I like your new intro! :D
18:34 I didn't know there were shield yielding monkeys in the middle ages. You learn something new every day.
The dragon age origins credit music is a nice touch
the kite shield actually existed with a center grip option.
some were strapped, and some were not.
the heater shield was almost as heavy as the kite shield because it was thicker.
the heater shield was used to protect the user from stuff the armor could not
like armor combating weapons as the mace or the warhammer.
that's why it was thicker, it had to be durable enough to withstand those mighty blows.
in my opinion, the kite and heater shield should be in the first place, cuz they are equally good, just made for different jobs.
nice video btw, opened me up for many different types of shields i didn't know before.
My favorite kind of shield are
1- The Pavese (because there are so many sizes and variants that technically becomes the most versatille kind of shield, and because I really like the shape and the kind of drawings the medieval people did on them.
2- The Rodela
3- The Targone (medieval scutum, yass)
4- The rectangular scutum
5- The Hoplon/Aspis
6- The Heater shield
7- The Pelta
8-The Kite Shield
9- The Viking shield
10- The Jousting shield (they're very pretty.
That's it.
Excellent! Thanks
Totally agree on the heater shield. It was the best for the late medieval period due to armor improvements, which you pointed out clearly. I would always pick a strapped shield as well. Nice work as always.
I also like the strapped shields, because I’ve used shields before and center grip shields tend to move around a lot and it becomes a weakness for the person using it because they can’t brace for blows in any other spot other than the center. Strapped shields can offer more protection because your arm has more surface area holding it up and stopping objects from tipping the shield over if the only thing pushing against the oncoming object is your hand, and a person with that kind of shield wouldn’t do so well against a person with an axe or a hammer, while a person with a strapped shield would likely be able to use it more effectively against weapons with a lot of momentum because it distributes the force down the forearm. You could hit the edge of a center grip shield and the person using it would have to deal with all the force you put into the blow and the leverage making it much harder or even impossible to stop from tipping over, unless you can brace the shield against your body to stop oncoming blows, which you could also do with a strapped shield.
Renaissance condottieri often used small units of sword and buckler troops to protect their crossbowmen and arquebusiers in close combat. IMO, an underrated troop type.
Thx for upload this ,honorable teacher,thx to all :).
Lol at 0:30 I honestly thought man was holding a beer for a second 😂😂😂😂
My only experience using a shield was as a US Navy Military Policeman . We were trained in riot/crowd control with batons and clear plastic riot shields . Our technique was basically shield wall and testudo type defenses . Ciao , Noble Ones !
The heater shield is also my favorite. Thank you.
Btw another awesome thing about the targe. The decoration you see on a lot of targes that include the little rivets on top of the face of the shield I have blocked an attack and the rivets actually kinda slowed down the disengage, like using a blank faced round shield compared to my targe is actually every different.
Oh cool a Shield video-
*See's round shield at number 9 and Kite Shield at number 3*
-Welp guess Shadiversity will be releasing a video soon.
They'll settle the question with duel shields.
pretty sure Shad has a fetish for Kite Shield, am I missing something?
So glad that I stay tuned to your channel, I learn so much from so very little and I applaud you, truly great content as always, thank you.
Very informative, as ever.
I know it would not fit the theme of the video but the most effective shields in history are definitely modern riot shields. They have a similar design to that of the scutum only much lighter, can withstand much more and can be see-through. There are different designs to withstand different weapons, some of them even being bullet proof.
An important point was missed in comparing the Norse and Frankish centre grip shields to the strapped on Rotella. If an arrow, bolt, spear, etc. penetrates the wrong part of the Rotella it will hit the wearer's arm. In contrast a centre grip shield can be held at arm's length from the body so the projectile must travel further through the shield, dragging on the shield and slowing, before hitting the wearer. Therefore, the Rotella has to be thicker and heavier (thus offsetting it's ease of carry) to provide equivalent protection against projectiles.
Targes were generally very thick shields, with their smaller size keeping the weight within reason; however, their small size would also reduce the protection against incoming projectiles.
18:35 "and we have proof of this"
We also have proof of armies of monkeys attacking knights!! (and of surprised horses)
also rotella: often made of steel and bullet proof.
imho rotella is the best shield.
not the least because it was in use up until the 1650s.
known to the spanish as rodela, the rodeleros being the main conquistadores.
known in the german speaking area as rondartsche ("round targe"), with whole platoons of rondartschiers fighting in the early 30yrs war.
the armory of graz is full of 17th cent. rotellas.
9th: Viking shield...
Skallagrim would like to know your location
Varg Kai also it's not just a Viking shield, dark age northwestern European shield would work better, Saxon or angle shield maybe.
Saxons are Vikings tho