Scutum all the way for me, m’lord! When I trained for riot control in the National Guard our shields were the modernized version of the scutum and it was the best protection against all form of attack whether we were in formation or one v one.
the roman shield is clearly for a battlefield situation when working in formation. the nordic shield is way more nimble and versatile. warzecha even uses them to shield bind. you can also use them edge forward for even more reach.
@@snakeoveer1046 Punching with a scutum won't be nearly as effective as punching with a Viking shield. First, the scutum is pretty heavy (~15 lbs, with some of the largest ones supposedly being ~20 lbs) so you won't be able to accelerate it to a fast velocity. The scutum was also carried like a briefcase with a horizontal grip and the arms extended downwards so it wouldn't tire out the arm of the user - so you wouldn't be able to rotate your arms to "punch" as effectively.
@@Intranetusa you don't need to rotate your arm to punch effectively, just lift your arm and punch with the bottom edge, sure it's goin to be more telegraphed than with a light round shield. but hey, front kicks work. Also you could just punch with the boss if you are at close range
Video suggestions: Inca shields (why so small?!) Zulu shields: What's the tensile strength of thin cow-hide when it comes to soft iron spear tips? Celt Shields: Why hexagonal?
1 You can bash with small shields. These shields are not made to protect from arrows, but to use offensively in hand to hand fighting. Gladiators used them too. 2 Dunno 3 To deflect blows.
Inca soldiers carried 2 shields into battle, a smaller round one strapped to their back and a larger square one held in one hand. Stiffened raw hide shields were effective against all the native weapon types of the time (arrows, throwing spears, cudgel, both long and short spears). Apparently Zulu soldiers would either try to hook and pull down enemy shields with their own in order to get at them, or use the shield to knock them off balance thus creating openings. Bear in mind that the shields were center gripped and could be held away from the body. As the only form of defensive armament they used, you can expect it to have been sturdy, especially in the case of those tribes which specialized in fighting at close quarters like the Zulu. No idea, I don't know much about the Celts.
@@leavesinautumn5959 If I may, most of what I've heard on the Zulu shield has emphasized its lightness and its usefulness in catching an opponent's thrusting attacks. Basically, that they were used mostly for intercepting a thrust (spear or bayonet) away from the body, allowing the user to push the weapon off line, allowing the shield user to close in and use their own weapons. I have no knowledge of how effective the shield was against clubs, though. I've never used this shield myself, though, so I don't have first hand knowledge of its effectiveness.
@@eldorados_lost_searcher now i'm reminded of ERB Shaka Zulu VS Caesar and Metatrons old "X VS Y" stuff... Metatron, give us Caesar and his Legions VS Shaka zulu! :D
Ya, If I had a viking shield in a roman phalanx, that isn't ideal. and one on one, i wouldn't want a scutum vs a viking shield unless I had the entire Roman kit. Then unless your fighting some sort of Huscarl with a full kit, you have a good chance of winning. Overall for shield itself i'd have to go round shield, since armor is never mentioned. But Scutum if I could have the entire kits from both. Vikings just didn't use a lot of armor as we know so far.
I would say roman shield are made for fighting as a group. As individual fighter in a duel i would have preferred viking shields, as part of a legion roman shields.
Kite shields were strapped and if a pilum pierce a strapped shield there are high possiblities that: a) it will reach the body. b) it will pin the forearm to the shield
@@rockstar450 Archaeologists and historians very often claim something they don't understand was only for ceremonial / religious purposes. This guess is written in textbooks as if proven facts. This joke is a great parody of that nonsense.
@@rockstar450 Metatron had a rant about archeologists and historians who wrire that everything is "ceremonial" when in fact they just don't know what it is.
I assisted to a demonstration about the late roman shield, that is slightly elliptical and convex. It is also quite big, but lighter than the classic scutum. It's probably a nice mix of the advantages you explained of the roman and viking shields: it protects very much but it can be used offensively in a powerful way.
Ave Metatron! You're looking much healthier than last time! Good to see you back on your feet and posting again! I hope the rest of Italy can make as good a recovery, and soon!
Heavy, but protects the legs. Very helpful. Low hits aren't easy to see or dodge ur parry or block, especially fake over cut feints into a real low leg thrust
Great video! Personally, I think I'd reverse your armored/unarmored choices. If I had little to no armor I'd want the Roman shield for the extra protection. If I had decent armor, I'd take the viking shield for the versatility.
Hey friend I hope everything is going good in Italy and you and your family are feeling well I appreciate your effort in these times to still produce content of always been one of my favorite historical creators keep it up my friend
Really happy to see you looking better mr. Tron hope you are feeling much better. Great content as always :). Oh, and i love your outfit in this one btw!
I’m currently building a Scutum atm. Figured since I’m stuck at home I may as well keep busy. Honestly so disappointed that there aren’t many building techniques online. Legio XX is helpful but I’d love a full in depth video on everything Scutum. How it’s made, what sizes, why were some rounded and some square on the corners. I swear there is a little niche for this stuff and a large lack of online videos about it. I mean just look at 4:35 there are loads of different types and sizes. Makes building a historically accurate Scutum hard. As always. Love the content and learning new stuff everyday. Keep up the good work. (Also side note you are the reason I’m spending wayyy to much money on Roman gear ahah)
Which shield I would want depends heavily on what weapon I have. The Scutum is very much designed as part of a unified weapon system with the Gladius, while the Viking shield is more flexible and can be used much easier with larger swords or axes than the Scutum.
Nice video, and you look very fancy with the hat. As you have pointed out, these shields make sense in their context, and my context is more of the Norse mercenary than the Roman Legionnaire, so of course I'll prefer the Norse round shield
Hello Metatron, im happy your healthy and back in historical youtube-business! I would call the Viking Shield, Germanic Shield, since it was used for thousands of years by germanic warriors, the Cheruski, Saxons, Goths and so on and the Vikings, which are a part of the germanic culture. Funfact: the late roman armys of the eastern roman empire in the middle ages were germanized by their germanic allies. They used the germanic Spatha instead of the Roman Gladius, combined with the Germanic longspear and the classical Germanic round shields.
I own a Vegvisir bronze ring from VKNG Jewellry, and I can personally vouch for them as both a brand that makes quality products, and their amazing customer service (I ran into some trouble with my purchase and screwed up, but they were quick and very helpful!). So consider this another endorsement of them. Go order stuff from them, they deserve it!
Greetings Metatron!. I am happy to see you are feeling well enough to create content, this kind of stuff is a ray of sunlight in the currently rather grey world. I think I speak for all of us when I say we appreciate the work you do man. - Love from the US
Hail Metatron. The thing that always worries me about center-grip vs strapped shields is the potential for hand injuries. If you beat on a shield with an axe or whatever, all that energy has to go somewhere, and I have to think one's hand would give out long before one's arm.
The protection of a scutum also allows you to rush in. Very handy if you intend to use a small sword in close quarters. I think scutum and gladius is a perfect match.
I really like the Targe. Re: "Which would you rather wield if you had to fight for your life?" You don't really Wield the Scutum, you hold it, next to 2 other guys, and fight between them. (I'm sure you know why Pawns move forward, but attack diagonally.) A Targe sized roundshield is large enough to protect you from the knees up, works okay against Lobbed arrows, and basically doesn't get in the way, but what I really like about it is you can rim-parry. Rather easily with it, and a little practice. You defend Yourself with a medium diameter roundshield. (The "Viking shield" you're talking about, when there were many, is functionally much like a center-grip targe. Add forearms straps, and it'd be perfect for me.) You don't depend on it, and your team-mates to defend you.
The Cold Steel polycarbonate Targe is superb, I bought two of them and four of the Bucklers. They are perfect for home invasion defense. They will also stop a 9mm slug and are extremely solid, but not too heavy, good stuff.
I'm so happy you've posted this video. My wife and I have been quite worried about you, even though you said you were okay in your last video. She has been asking, almost daily, if you have posted anything new. In fact, she just asked a few minutes ago before she went to take a bath. I was so excited that you have a new post I had to barge in and tell her the good news. It would have been nice if this video would have come up on my homepage yesterday. We're still praying for you. On a side note, in your videos where you say, "yes, I'm talking to you in the red t-shirt...", I've had on a green t-shirt. My wife and I joke that you must have red/green deficiency or red and green don't travel well through the internet. ;{) Be good, be safe, be vigilant!
I totally agree with your conclusion in that armor and context determine which is optimal, but I would add weapon should play as a determining factor, as well. If I had a long, stabby polearm, I'd prefer the scutum. With something shorter and swingier, I'd go for the Viking. I know the Romans used Gladii and the Vikings also used spears, but personally, with less mobility I'd want more range. And I'm not practiced with a Viking shield enough to confidently use it with a polearm; if someone closed the difference, I'd be in trouble!
I think the circle shield also makes the battle more dynamic as you can move faster and flank easier. And we can also see this in effect with Roman's versus Germanic tribes.
I think the Varangian Guard settled this point ages ago. I realize many of them used two handed axes, but the Emperor seemed impressed. I have often wondered if the center boss shield was in part a response to missile attacks. I feel like it would be less likely to be injured by an arrow or a pilum through the shield if you are holding it by a single point in the center and extended above you. The Viking shield extended would definitely increase your coverage by reducing the angle of attack, but it is much easier to disrupt a shield held in that manner. It would probably be useful for temporarily disguising your attack though.
well the viking shield is in general, when considering all cuircumstanses better. yes the roman shield can cover a larger area but it's so big and bulky compared to the more agile viking shield.
Darien no you’re wrong. A scutum shouldn’t be used in horseback. It is inferior here. A bucker would suck in a shieldwall XD. The simple fact that the Romans understood is that some systems ARE superior to others for certain purposes. In this way, the scutum was overall the better shield for the Romans to use
@@davidd1289 ¨there is no better-than-other shields, only more effective shields in different scenarios.¨ being horseback is a completely different scenario, being in a shield wall is a completely different scenario, being alone is a different scenario, and that is exactly my point. Why are your emphasizing my point?
@@davidd1289 Hmmm there is no antique source that suggests Romans believing that their infantry shield was far more superior than other infantry shield, If that is what you are trying to say,
Metatron i found your channel today and this is only the second video that i have seen, the contets they seem to be the ones I've been looking for for long time. I very enjoyed this video. Now what can i say? I'm italian and history lover and for this reason i can't betray the Scutum (other people in the comments have already exposed the reason way the principles of the Scutum are still used today and i'm according with them) i prefer the Scutum also in a 1vs1 fight and in my opinion with a reductiont of shape ad weight it would be perfect. (Not a significant reduction) But also the viking shield have good caratteristc and i have quite enjoyed this quality in the "Vikings" series, (not only in the series) that is high accurate in history reproduction of weapon and quite accurate in battlefield situation. So this is my opinion. Bye and good job. P.S. S.P.Q.R. Dominates
Hey, Metatron! Could you do a video on why the Late Roman army changed from the Early Imperial scutum to convex circular shields prior to the Migration Period? I think that might be an interesting follow up topic to the one you presented here.
It would be nice to have an entire video about the less known Roman military reforms such as the Camillian and the Polybian reforms with their proper historical sources, there is almost no information about those reforms on internet (at least, no easy-to-find information).
Note the Roman scutum is held so the arm holding it cannot get struck by a penetrating arrow. The hand is covered with steel and the forearm cannot be struck making the testudo so effective
They both have their own specific uses. Aesthetically, I prefer the norse shield, but for a battlefield scenario, I'd probably want to go with the roman one. But for a skirmish or a duel, I'd definitely pick the more versatile/agile norse shield instead, so I have more options. You aren't going to raid a temple or a village in close and heavily organized battle formations.
I'd prefer the Norse type. But I generally favor fluid tactics as is. And I'd also put some spikes on the front part of it for prodding purposes in a defensively situation. They'd be multiple small spikes. For the Roman shield this could work as well, except it would only be three large spikes in a triangular formation, instead of the circular sets on my Norse design. And as the Roman shield covers more of the body, and is rectangular, you could use it as a makeshift fortification using the spikes. You'd plant it in the ground, and use an archer from your unit for offensive measures.
I agree with your assessments of the two shields...although for myself...I have always been partial to the Scottish targe...while I realize that, because of the strap design you lose a little with regards to mobility, I think that the central spike found on some designs of the shield mitigates some of the loss of mobility.
Great to see you have recovered! BTW, if I have to face enemy with arrows and I am amount a large group of soldiers, I'll go for Roman Shield. If I have to go into closed combat in a more loose group and enemy aren't have many range weapons, I'll go for Viking Shield... And I'll go for Chinese Warring States Shield if I need a smaller shield (because it come with blade catcher on the shield en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_armour#/media/File:46.8cm_WS_shield.png )...
Scutum all the way for me, m’lord! When I trained for riot control in the National Guard our shields were the modernized version of the scutum and it was the best protection against all form of attack whether we were in formation or one v one.
Modern materials would make it lighter increasing its usability and effectiveness.
Oh many I remember staying in a shieldwall before in the army while people threw stones at us and attack us. Not fun at all.
Last time I was this early the monks at Lindisfarne had yet to meet any Vikings.
Meanwhile in the North Sea ^^^^^^^^⛵ ^^^^^^^^^^^^
Monks *have little hair on their cranium*
*Sea Raiders would like to know your location*
So basically, Scutum for tanking; Viking shield for DPS.
In gaming parlance, yep. I think of it as Active vs Passive Defense, to vastly oversimplify the matter.
Wait, what is DPS?
@@wolvenedvard3049 'Damage Per Second'; gamer jargon.
@@paulpolito2001 Ah of course!!! XD
I would say scutum for team raid, round shield for solo.
the roman shield is clearly for a battlefield situation when working in formation. the nordic shield is way more nimble and versatile. warzecha even uses them to shield bind. you can also use them edge forward for even more reach.
He's the master of it's use, I would say.
You can still punch or puch with the edge of a scutum
@@snakeoveer1046 Punching with a scutum won't be nearly as effective as punching with a Viking shield. First, the scutum is pretty heavy (~15 lbs, with some of the largest ones supposedly being ~20 lbs) so you won't be able to accelerate it to a fast velocity. The scutum was also carried like a briefcase with a horizontal grip and the arms extended downwards so it wouldn't tire out the arm of the user - so you wouldn't be able to rotate your arms to "punch" as effectively.
@@Intranetusa you don't need to rotate your arm to punch effectively, just lift your arm and punch with the bottom edge, sure it's goin to be more telegraphed than with a light round shield. but hey, front kicks work. Also you could just punch with the boss if you are at close range
Formations win battles, not warriors. Alexander proved this. The Romans came up with their version for their more uneven terrain.
Video suggestions: Inca shields (why so small?!)
Zulu shields: What's the tensile strength of thin cow-hide when it comes to soft iron spear tips?
Celt Shields: Why hexagonal?
I second this questions.
1 You can bash with small shields. These shields are not made to protect from arrows, but to use offensively in hand to hand fighting. Gladiators used them too.
2 Dunno
3 To deflect blows.
Inca soldiers carried 2 shields into battle, a smaller round one strapped to their back and a larger square one held in one hand.
Stiffened raw hide shields were effective against all the native weapon types of the time (arrows, throwing spears, cudgel, both long and short spears). Apparently Zulu soldiers would either try to hook and pull down enemy shields with their own in order to get at them, or use the shield to knock them off balance thus creating openings. Bear in mind that the shields were center gripped and could be held away from the body. As the only form of defensive armament they used, you can expect it to have been sturdy, especially in the case of those tribes which specialized in fighting at close quarters like the Zulu.
No idea, I don't know much about the Celts.
@@leavesinautumn5959
If I may, most of what I've heard on the Zulu shield has emphasized its lightness and its usefulness in catching an opponent's thrusting attacks. Basically, that they were used mostly for intercepting a thrust (spear or bayonet) away from the body, allowing the user to push the weapon off line, allowing the shield user to close in and use their own weapons. I have no knowledge of how effective the shield was against clubs, though.
I've never used this shield myself, though, so I don't have first hand knowledge of its effectiveness.
@@eldorados_lost_searcher now i'm reminded of ERB Shaka Zulu VS Caesar and Metatrons old "X VS Y" stuff... Metatron, give us Caesar and his Legions VS Shaka zulu! :D
I’m gonna guess it comes down to context, that’s how all good comparisons end
yes
Context is always important!
Ya, If I had a viking shield in a roman phalanx, that isn't ideal. and one on one, i wouldn't want a scutum vs a viking shield unless I had the entire Roman kit. Then unless your fighting some sort of Huscarl with a full kit, you have a good chance of winning. Overall for shield itself i'd have to go round shield, since armor is never mentioned. But Scutum if I could have the entire kits from both. Vikings just didn't use a lot of armor as we know so far.
I would say roman shield are made for fighting as a group. As individual fighter in a duel i would have preferred viking shields, as part of a legion roman shields.
Yeah, these shields are next to useless without the group tactics they were deployed with.
Imagine having maximum coverage and reduced weight
This meme was brought to you by the norman kite shield gang
I made one of those is awesome
Kite shields are barbarian trash, real men have stiff shoulders from carrying around a piece of wood the size of a refrigerator door all day.
@@magisterrleth3129 like manly man i see... Well well well jokes on you, im not manly enough
Celtic shield > Nordic shield
Less likely to get your legs chopped off.
Kite shields were strapped and if a pilum pierce a strapped shield there are high possiblities that:
a) it will reach the body.
b) it will pin the forearm to the shield
2:30 "But before doing that I'd like to spend a moment talking about my cool new hat"
“I really like the strapped configuration”
We all do in 2020.
Stay strapped or get clapped.
Dds214 we dont care america
UBuK - I do!
Glad you're feeling better and back to making amazing content! Much love
Certainly, both shields were obviously ceremonial only.
LoL, before sunrise.
I don’t get the joke here? The scutum was the backbone of Rome?
@@rockstar450 Archaeologists and historians very often claim something they don't understand was only for ceremonial / religious purposes. This guess is written in textbooks as if proven facts.
This joke is a great parody of that nonsense.
Ha Ha Ha the joke rises again! ;D
@@rockstar450 Metatron had a rant about archeologists and historians who wrire that everything is "ceremonial" when in fact they just don't know what it is.
I’m glad you’re doing well ...I enjoy your knowledge of Roman history.
I assisted to a demonstration about the late roman shield, that is slightly elliptical and convex. It is also quite big, but lighter than the classic scutum. It's probably a nice mix of the advantages you explained of the roman and viking shields: it protects very much but it can be used offensively in a powerful way.
I was just watching your videos last night wondering when we'll get a new Metatron video, glad you're not sick anymore
Fantastic to see you back and looking so much healthier, especially with such an interesting subject!
Glad to see you look better. It s good to see you back in action. Hope everything’s well!
Ave Metatron! You're looking much healthier than last time! Good to see you back on your feet and posting again! I hope the rest of Italy can make as good a recovery, and soon!
It's great to have you back, Metatron
Heavy, but protects the legs. Very helpful. Low hits aren't easy to see or dodge ur parry or block, especially fake over cut feints into a real low leg thrust
THANK YOU METATRON! IVE BEEN WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO DISCUSS THIS!
Great video! Personally, I think I'd reverse your armored/unarmored choices. If I had little to no armor I'd want the Roman shield for the extra protection. If I had decent armor, I'd take the viking shield for the versatility.
Hey friend I hope everything is going good in Italy and you and your family are feeling well I appreciate your effort in these times to still produce content of always been one of my favorite historical creators keep it up my friend
Glad to see you seem to be feeling better, good video!
Really happy to see you looking better mr. Tron hope you are feeling much better. Great content as always :). Oh, and i love your outfit in this one btw!
I’m currently building a Scutum atm. Figured since I’m stuck at home I may as well keep busy. Honestly so disappointed that there aren’t many building techniques online. Legio XX is helpful but I’d love a full in depth video on everything Scutum. How it’s made, what sizes, why were some rounded and some square on the corners. I swear there is a little niche for this stuff and a large lack of online videos about it. I mean just look at 4:35 there are loads of different types and sizes. Makes building a historically accurate Scutum hard. As always. Love the content and learning new stuff everyday. Keep up the good work. (Also side note you are the reason I’m spending wayyy to much money on Roman gear ahah)
Glad you're feeling better, Meta. I hope you and your kith and kin stay safe!
Which shield I would want depends heavily on what weapon I have. The Scutum is very much designed as part of a unified weapon system with the Gladius, while the Viking shield is more flexible and can be used much easier with larger swords or axes than the Scutum.
Great to see you up and well again!
Glad to see youre all well again !
Last time i was this early , the world had not ended .
Last time I was this early he didn't rp a castle with a hat
happy to see you back !
Good to see you feeling better
Great video!
It’s great that you have recovered!
Wish the best to you, I hope the situation in Italy will get better!
Glad to see you're doing better Metatron!
Lock and loaded
I'm so glad that you are recovering!
Nice video, and you look very fancy with the hat. As you have pointed out, these shields make sense in their context, and my context is more of the Norse mercenary than the Roman Legionnaire, so of course I'll prefer the Norse round shield
Wow, excellent critique - I like how you explain why a lack armor necessitates mobility. Thank you 🙏🏻
Hello Metatron, im happy your healthy and back in historical youtube-business! I would call the Viking Shield, Germanic Shield, since it was used for thousands of years by germanic warriors, the Cheruski, Saxons, Goths and so on and the Vikings, which are a part of the germanic culture. Funfact: the late roman armys of the eastern roman empire in the middle ages were germanized by their germanic allies. They used the germanic Spatha instead of the Roman Gladius, combined with the Germanic longspear and the classical Germanic round shields.
glad someone said it.
Good to see that you're feeling better after the illness!
Nice to have you back
I'm glad that you are feeling better. You sound much better. I would choose the Viking shield for the type of battle that I would involve myself with
hello I am glad to see your back, hope you're feeling better
It's good to see you back and healthy!
Glad your feeling better great content
I own a Vegvisir bronze ring from VKNG Jewellry, and I can personally vouch for them as both a brand that makes quality products, and their amazing customer service (I ran into some trouble with my purchase and screwed up, but they were quick and very helpful!). So consider this another endorsement of them. Go order stuff from them, they deserve it!
Glad to see you're feeling better
Lock and loaded pal
glad to see you're still alive.
Thrilled to see you are doing ok.
Greetings Metatron!. I am happy to see you are feeling well enough to create content, this kind of stuff is a ray of sunlight in the currently rather grey world. I think I speak for all of us when I say we appreciate the work you do man.
- Love from the US
Thank you, friend.
Good to see you in good health! Very interesting!
You're alive! That's great news!
Brilliant - as always. Thank you and stay safe.
Ah! Thanks Metatron, now I have something cool to watch while I deal with my brand new quarantine insomnia.
Hail Metatron. The thing that always worries me about center-grip vs strapped shields is the potential for hand injuries. If you beat on a shield with an axe or whatever, all that energy has to go somewhere, and I have to think one's hand would give out long before one's arm.
I love the new background. It looks great👍
Welcome back, Mr. Metatron
Thank you! This question bothered me for a while.
Metatron is our shield against the corona. Helping us stay at home with his shows.
I dig the new set up
The protection of a scutum also allows you to rush in. Very handy if you intend to use a small sword in close quarters. I think scutum and gladius is a perfect match.
Welcome back metatron i hope u get better and i hope all world will get better
Looks like you have gotten better👌👌
any channel I'm already subscribed to: "Please hit the subscribe button."
me: "That's why I'm here." :)
Shocking...the Italian guy would choose the Italian shield in almost all cases. :-) Time to hear from Skall...
I'm a German, and I'd pick the scutum hands down, too. >8^)
I really like the Targe. Re: "Which would you rather wield if you had to fight for your life?" You don't really Wield the Scutum, you hold it, next to 2 other guys, and fight between them. (I'm sure you know why Pawns move forward, but attack diagonally.) A Targe sized roundshield is large enough to protect you from the knees up, works okay against Lobbed arrows, and basically doesn't get in the way, but what I really like about it is you can rim-parry. Rather easily with it, and a little practice. You defend Yourself with a medium diameter roundshield. (The "Viking shield" you're talking about, when there were many, is functionally much like a center-grip targe. Add forearms straps, and it'd be perfect for me.) You don't depend on it, and your team-mates to defend you.
The Cold Steel polycarbonate Targe is superb, I bought two of them and four of the Bucklers. They are perfect for home invasion defense. They will also stop a 9mm slug and are extremely solid, but not too heavy, good stuff.
Cold Steel targe, best yet, I bought two of them, also the bucklers are excellent, too
Cold steel Targe, quality.
Hey so good to see you well.
Glad you're doing better
I'm so happy you've posted this video. My wife and I have been quite worried about you, even though you said you were okay in your last video. She has been asking, almost daily, if you have posted anything new. In fact, she just asked a few minutes ago before she went to take a bath. I was so excited that you have a new post I had to barge in and tell her the good news. It would have been nice if this video would have come up on my homepage yesterday. We're still praying for you.
On a side note, in your videos where you say, "yes, I'm talking to you in the red t-shirt...", I've had on a green t-shirt. My wife and I joke that you must have red/green deficiency or red and green don't travel well through the internet. ;{)
Be good, be safe, be vigilant!
Thank you very much for you concern, I really appreciate. It's great to have wonderful people like you and your wife watching my content.
good to know you recovered
Always interesting information. Thanks. Fair winds and following seas.
Really enjoyed this video, very informative thank you!
I totally agree with your conclusion in that armor and context determine which is optimal, but I would add weapon should play as a determining factor, as well. If I had a long, stabby polearm, I'd prefer the scutum. With something shorter and swingier, I'd go for the Viking.
I know the Romans used Gladii and the Vikings also used spears, but personally, with less mobility I'd want more range. And I'm not practiced with a Viking shield enough to confidently use it with a polearm; if someone closed the difference, I'd be in trouble!
You sound much better. Skin is still really red but glad you are recovering.
I think the circle shield also makes the battle more dynamic as you can move faster and flank easier. And we can also see this in effect with Roman's versus Germanic tribes.
Brilliant and interesting. Thank you
I think I’m with you metatron depending on the situation would depend on my shield choice as both are very great shields
woah I learned so much :DD I love your videos
I think the Varangian Guard settled this point ages ago. I realize many of them used two handed axes, but the Emperor seemed impressed. I have often wondered if the center boss shield was in part a response to missile attacks. I feel like it would be less likely to be injured by an arrow or a pilum through the shield if you are holding it by a single point in the center and extended above you. The Viking shield extended would definitely increase your coverage by reducing the angle of attack, but it is much easier to disrupt a shield held in that manner. It would probably be useful for temporarily disguising your attack though.
well the viking shield is in general, when considering all cuircumstanses better. yes the roman shield can cover a larger area but it's so big and bulky compared to the more agile viking shield.
there is no better-than-other shields, only more effective shields in different scenarios.
Try paying more attention to the analysis next time buddy.
Darien no you’re wrong. A scutum shouldn’t be used in horseback. It is inferior here. A bucker would suck in a shieldwall XD. The simple fact that the Romans understood is that some systems ARE superior to others for certain purposes. In this way, the scutum was overall the better shield for the Romans to use
@@davidd1289
¨there is no better-than-other shields, only more effective shields in different scenarios.¨
being horseback is a completely different scenario, being in a shield wall is a completely different scenario, being alone is a different scenario, and that is exactly my point.
Why are your emphasizing my point?
My point is that overall to the Romans, the scutum was seen as the superior kind of shield, as most elite soldiers were heavy infantry.
@@davidd1289
Hmmm there is no antique source that suggests Romans believing that their infantry shield was far more superior than other infantry shield, If that is what you are trying to say,
*Maple:* Any Shield can do as long as you invest all your stat points on Defense
Got it Kkkkkkkkkk
Lol. It does help that she’s just a fuckin monster tho.
Yes! 😀I always wondered which was better!
Me alegro que te encuentres mejor Rafa! Un abrazo!
Someone needs to make a video on those vertically strapped Italian shields and how they're used
Metatron i found your channel today and this is only the second video that i have seen, the contets they seem to be the ones I've been looking for for long time. I very enjoyed this video. Now what can i say? I'm italian and history lover and for this reason i can't betray the Scutum (other people in the comments have already exposed the reason way the principles of the Scutum are still used today and i'm according with them) i prefer the Scutum also in a 1vs1 fight and in my opinion with a reductiont of shape ad weight it would be perfect.
(Not a significant reduction)
But also the viking shield have good caratteristc and i have quite enjoyed this quality in the "Vikings" series, (not only in the series) that is high accurate in history reproduction of weapon and quite accurate in battlefield situation.
So this is my opinion.
Bye and good job.
P.S.
S.P.Q.R. Dominates
You're alive!
Hey, Metatron! Could you do a video on why the Late Roman army changed from the Early Imperial scutum to convex circular shields prior to the Migration Period? I think that might be an interesting follow up topic to the one you presented here.
0:08 *Handsome bed hair boi*
2:14 *Sudden budget pope*
Hey man. How are you. Safety and peace be with you (yes, an AC fan here, at least the first few main title games)
Grazzie mille,signore
Hope everything get more better there.
Good video as always. That site with the viking inspired jewelry has some cool stuff. Might have to get something.
It would be nice to have an entire video about the less known Roman military reforms such as the Camillian and the Polybian reforms with their proper historical sources, there is almost no information about those reforms on internet (at least, no easy-to-find information).
Note the Roman scutum is held so the arm holding it cannot get struck by a penetrating arrow. The hand is covered with steel and the forearm cannot be struck making the testudo so effective
What adds to the difference is the length of the swords used. It concerns reach around the shield for the viking shield.
Though swords were expensive as hell and only the roman legionary would have great access to them as for vikings,spears and axes
Stay strong from Spain
Left US at just the right time. Its going to be rough. Hope I get to watch more of your content for years to come.
They both have their own specific uses.
Aesthetically, I prefer the norse shield, but for a battlefield scenario, I'd probably want to go with the roman one.
But for a skirmish or a duel, I'd definitely pick the more versatile/agile norse shield instead, so I have more options. You aren't going to raid a temple or a village in close and heavily organized battle formations.
I'd prefer the Norse type. But I generally favor fluid tactics as is. And I'd also put some spikes on the front part of it for prodding purposes in a defensively situation. They'd be multiple small spikes. For the Roman shield this could work as well, except it would only be three large spikes in a triangular formation, instead of the circular sets on my Norse design. And as the Roman shield covers more of the body, and is rectangular, you could use it as a makeshift fortification using the spikes. You'd plant it in the ground, and use an archer from your unit for offensive measures.
I agree with your assessments of the two shields...although for myself...I have always been partial to the Scottish targe...while I realize that, because of the strap design you lose a little with regards to mobility, I think that the central spike found on some designs of the shield mitigates some of the loss of mobility.
Great to see you have recovered!
BTW, if I have to face enemy with arrows and I am amount a large group of soldiers, I'll go for Roman Shield. If I have to go into closed combat in a more loose group and enemy aren't have many range weapons, I'll go for Viking Shield... And I'll go for Chinese Warring States Shield if I need a smaller shield (because it come with blade catcher on the shield en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_armour#/media/File:46.8cm_WS_shield.png )...
I'd definitely pick the Viking shield.
What's that red hat you were wearing?
Its were commonly worn by knights. From South or North Italy.