Clipeus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In the military of classical antiquity, a clipeus (ἀσπίς) was a large shield worn by the Greeks and Romans as a piece of defensive armor, which they carried upon the arm, to secure them from the blows of their enemies. It was originally round in shape, but also occurred oval or sexangular; in the middle was a bolt of iron, or of some other metal, with a sharp point.
The term "clypeus" is also used by entomologists to describe a shield-like part of an insect's exoskeleton, located behind the mandibles but anterior to the front edge of the carapace.
[edit] Further reading
- William Smith, D.C.L., LL.D. "Clipeus". A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities. John Murray, London, 1875.
