Round shields

[Nathan Dexter]

I think there has to be a good reason for any historical warrior to use a round shield, it doesnt seem like a good shape from a woodworking perspective. so I think the vikings in particular may have used them because they needed a shape that would not get in their way in combat between ships. And they needed to be transportable. Does anyone else have thoughts?

[Keith Rich]

Well it would seem that they would be easy to construct, at least compared to other shield types out there at that time. So manufacture cost and speed probably played their roles, as most round shields were wooden and thusly cheap, and probably wouldn't last more than two fights.
Another thing considered is that it was most likely used in lieu of heavy armor.
From a usage standpoint, they could protect ship sidings, protect the body reasonably well excepting the legs, and could be used for making hoplite-style shield walls for any large land engagements.
But from what I can see, price had to be the biggest factor as most people during the vikings' time were farmers, and probably couldn't cover the cost of a metal shield or metal armor, so they used round shields to act as a cheap stand-in.

[Matthew_Anderson]

Like all functional weapons, I'm sure the form of the round shield follows it's function. Mathematically, the circle gives you the most area with the smallest perimeter, so you get a lot of coverage without the pesky corners of a square or rectangle getting in the way of your weapon arm. Round shields are quite common and were used by the ancient Greeks, and right up through the late middle ages, and even into the renaissance. I think It's just a very practical design that gives good cover but still lets you cut and thrust around it easily and I'm sure the Vikings discovered this as well.

[Scott A. Richardson]

I think another advantage to the circular shield is that it will deflect all blows -- except the most perfectly on edge -- away from the wielder. A rectangular shield has a better chance of getting a blade stuck in it, from which the opponent may be able to wrench their sword free and thrust towards the wiedler.

[Keith Rich]

Well it would depend if the round shield had leather or metal on the edges, for protection and shield longevity. But then again shields without edging, can have a weapon wedged into it, pretty much any blow with force will get a weapon stuck, even if temporarily. That alone would be a desirable trait, because now the guy out to kill you has to approach you unarmed (or not as well armed) to retrieve his weapon.

[robrobertson]

Like all functional weapons, I'm sure the form of the round shield follows it's function. Mathematically, the circle gives you the most area with the smallest perimeter, so you get a lot of coverage without the pesky corners of a square or rectangle getting in the way of your weapon arm. Round shields are quite common and were used by the ancient Greeks, and right up through the late middle ages, and even into the renaissance. I think It's just a very practical design that gives good cover but still lets you cut and thrust around it easily and I'm sure the Vikings discovered this as well.

The Scottish highlanders used them up until the battle at Culloden in 1746. When Cumberland trained his soldiers to not thrust (with their bayonets) at the highlanders directly in front of them, but rather to the man to the side. As the targe was worn on the left arm, and the sword held in the right hand, the side was exposed. At least, that's what I was taught. It played a part in the outcome of the battle that ended "Chairlie's year".

Rob

[DustyHuber]

From experience sparring with a round shield, I can tell you that unless its a strike thrown at an extremely distant body part (IE Feet) it provides more than adequate defense for a single nimble fighter.

As far as for field combat in lines, the deflection of the round edge does become worriesom to your nieghbors.

They are easier to move than their squared-off brthren as your body moves in a curved motion and you don't have to avoid your own corners when shifting defense.

[Nathaniel Bacon]

Stew Feil taught the NTP1.0 I attended earlier this year and after watching how hard it is to strike him wielding a 10-12" buckler....

No doubt about the protection a round shield offers.