Parma (shield)
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A parma (gladiator shield) was a type of round shield used by Roman army, especially during the later period of Imperial history. It was used mainly by auxiliary infantry and cavalry, the legionaries preferring the heavier but more protective scutum, during earlier periods. It was a yard across and has iron in its frame making it a very effective piece of armor. In the Pyrrhic dance it was raised above the head and struck with a sword so as to emit a loud ringing noise.
In Virgil's Aeneid, the parma is cited as a weapon utilised by the Teucrians in defence against the Greeks (Battle of Troy), and later against the Rutulians.
[edit] External links
- Parma (Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities at LacusCurtius)
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