Shield

Shield, defensive armor, usually carried on the left arm to leave the right arm free for fighting. The ancient Greeks and early Romans used large, circular wooden shields covered with bronze. The later Romans, for the sake of greater mobility, switched to smaller, rectangular shields that were curved to half encircle and thus protect the body more effectively. Kite-shaped shields were employed during the Middle Ages. The introduction of body armor and then firearms (requiring the use of both hands) gradually made the shield obsolete. In modern times shields have been reintroduced by riot police as protection against urban rioters.