Computertomographische Messungen an den frühkaiserzeitlichen römischen Schilden aus Kalkriese (Lkr. Osnabrück)

Neue Erkenntnisse zu Aufbau, Herstellung und Vorteilen römischer Sperrholzschilde

Abstract

Computed Tomographic Measurements on the Early Imperial Roman Shields from Kalkriese (Lkr. Osnabrück). New Conclusions about the Construction, Production and Advantages of Roman Plywood Shields

The shield edge fragments from Kalkriese have been known and published for years. New scientific methods have made it possible for the first time to examine the individual layers of the plywood shields non-invasively and much more precisely than before. The results obtained allow a new perspective on the production and design of Roman plywood shields and open up possibilities for comparison with finds from other regions. Three core theses could be worked out: 1) it must be assumed that the plywood shields were considerably lighter; 2) for this reason the use of the shield in battle must be reconsidered; 3) the shield edges with remnants of silver foil decoration prove that decorated weapons were used in battle.