Ancient Greek Shield

Shield Oath This is my shield, I bear it before me in battle, But it is not mine alone. It protects my brother on my left. It protects my city. I will never let my brother out of it's shadow Nor my city out of it's shelter. I will die With my shield before me Facing the enemy.

History behind the Shield The Ancient Greeks in place of flags had shields bearing distinct and symbolic signs. This allowed them to recognized their fellow-soldiers in battle. On their shields, they gave their military oath, and that oath-giving was a sacred ceremony. The Shield (Hoplon, meaning weapon), was made of wood, which was hollowed inside to allow for the soldiers to fit into it. The surface of the Hoplon was covered in bronze or leather.

Spartan Shield Symbol is the Letter L (Lambda) in the Greek Alphabet Lacedaemon- Sparta’s ancient name (2 names used interchangeably)

Athenian Shield The owl was a symbol of the goddess Athena, patron goddess of Athens

Another Athenian Shield Medusa’s head (Greek Mythology story that Perseus killed Medusa, and dedicated her beheaded head to Athena’s temple in Athens)

Other Shields Scorpion sent to kill Orion (Son of Poseidon) Represented the sun with 8 rays (Macedonia) Pegasus mythical creature Snake Dragon of Aegiads