Adarga
The Adarga was a Spanish label.
Etymology
The German term Adarga comes from the Arabic word al - daraqa, which means as much as "shield".
Description and Use
This shield was a heavy, wrapped with antelope leather wooden sign. In its center a shield boss of metal was attached. The diameter was 80 to 90 cm. The leather was attached to the rim with metal nails on wood. From inside the Adarga was tied with leather straps on the arm.
Was used the Adarga both of horsemen and of foot soldiers. The latter were armed with this shield and a sword, and were called Rodelero. The shield provided good protection against arrows and sword blows.
History
Originally Adarga comes from settling in Spain Moors. However, it was taken as early as the late Middle Ages by the Spanish warriors and held until the 16th century, also in the "new world" in America, used the Spanish Conquistadores the Adarga.
In the rest of the Muslim world Ardaga was also used, as well as by the Turks. The shield was used in the first and second siege of Vienna in 1683.