News:

Welcome to the SoA Forum.  You are welcome to browse through and contribute to the Forums listed below.

Main Menu

Byzantine cavalry shield size - time of Heraklios

Started by nikgaukroger, January 01, 2020, 01:17:12 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

nikgaukroger

Are there any historical accounts of the size of shields used by Byzantine cavalry around the time of Heraklios?

The Strategikon doesn't give a size, but says that the lancers when charging can cover themselves and their horses necks (IIRC) so are, presumably, a reasonable size.
"The Roman Empire was not murdered and nor did it die a natural death; it accidentally committed suicide."

Ade G

When I first read that quote I thought it might describe an oval shield but don't think that has ever been overtly mentioned

aligern

Have a look at the shields shown on the Ashburnham Pentateuch in the illustration of Pharaoh's army drowning in the waters.
Roy