Greek Hoplite Shield

This is a hoplite shield (hoplon, or aspis) modeled on the ones used in ancient Greece. The shields were made of wood with a thin covering of bronze, about 3 feet in diameter. In battle the shield rested against the shoulder and provided protection in the phalanx formation.

Often the shields were decorated. The Spartans painted theirs with a capital Lambda.

This project is for a 5th grade social studies unit on ancient Greece. The students will design a shield.

Pictures and models of st