Clipeus

Clipeus or Clipeum is the Latin term for a large, metal round or oval shield.

Etymology

The original Greek name for this shield is aspis ( Ancient Greek: ἀσπίς ), in Latin it was called then Clipeus.

Description

The Clipeus was performed in the Roman army in the early days of the soldiers of the first two terms of the phalanx. He was the standard shield the heavy Roman infantry. He was later replaced by the oval Scutum.

In a second meaning of the term stands for a round portrait of a deceased person on whose sarcophagus. Such can clipeata imago be carved in stone. In a broader sense, the term is generally applied to circular, shield -shaped decorative motifs.

In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, he was picked up as a half-length portrait in the form of a medallion and often attached to the frame of a picture or used as an architectural ornament.

Clipeus virtutis

The Clipeus virtutis (lat: Shield of Valor ) was an award of a Roman legionary, when he distinguished himself in a battle with bravery.