Shields are like big, strong hand-me-downs that knights and warriors use to block attacks, just like you might use a pillow to protect your face when you're playing tag.
Medieval shields come in many shapes and sizes, each made for a different job. Let’s look at 6 iconic shields and see how they work.
Like a Pizza Box, But Stronger
The Round Shield is like a big pizza box, round and flat. Knights would hold it with one hand and use the other to swing their sword. It was tough enough to block arrows or slaps from a club.
The Big Brother of Shields
Then there’s the Tower Shield, which is much bigger, like a door standing up. Warriors used these shields in groups, they could form a wall together, like a team huddle that blocks all the hits at once!
A Shield That Grows With You
The Kite Shield looks like a kite flying in the sky, long and pointed on top. It was easy to carry and gave extra protection when fighting on horseback.
Each shield had its job, just like your backpack has different pockets for pencils, toys, and snacks!
Examples
- A knight uses a large wooden shield to block arrows during a battle.
- A shield can be painted with symbols to show which group the warrior belongs to.
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See also
- Did Medieval People Think The Earth Was Flat?
- How and why CASTLES were invented?
- How Does 4 Modes of Transportation in the Middle Ages... Work?
- How Does Armament Breakdown: the scutum Work?
- How Does 700 Years Ago: The Medieval Castle No Army Could Take Work?