Round shields were commoner in Assyria than any others.  They were used by most of those who fought in chariots, by the early monarchs’ personal attendants, by the cross-belted spear-men, and by many of the spearmen who guarded archers.  In the most ancient times they seem to have been universally made of solid metal, and consequently they were small, perhaps not often exceeding two feet, or two feet and a half, in diameter.  They were managed by means of a very simple handle, placed in the middle of the shield at the back, and fastened to it by studs or nails, which was not passed over the arm but grasped by the hand.  The rim was bent inwards, so as to form a deep groove all round the edge.  The material of which these shields were composed was in some cases certainly bronze; in others it may have been iron:  in a few silver, or even gold.  Some metal shields were perfectly plain; others exhibited a number of concentric rings, others again were inlaid or embossed with tasteful and elaborate patterns.

[Illustration:  PLATE 102]

Among the later Assyrians the round metal shield seems to have been almost entirely disused, its place being supplied by a wicker buckler of the same shape, with a rim round the edge made of solid wood or of metal, and sometimes with a boss in the centre. [PLATE CII., Fig. 1.] The weight of the metal shield must have been considerable; and this both limited their size and made it difficult to move them with rapidity.  With the change of material we perceive a decided increase of magnitude, the diameter of the wicker buckler being often fully half the warrior’s height, or not much short of three feet.

Convex shields, generally of an oblong form, were also in common use during the later period, and one kind is found in the very earliest sculptures.  This is of small dimensions and of a clumsy make.  Its curve is slight, and it is generally ornamented with a perpendicular row of spikes or teeth, in the centre of which we often see the head of a lion. [PLATE CII., Fig. 2.]

The convex shields of later date were very much larger than these. [PLATE CIII., Fig. 3.] They were sometimes square at bottom and rounded at top, in which case they were either made of wickerwork, or (apparently) of metal.  These latter had generally a boss in the centre, and both this and the edge of the shield were often ornamented with a row of rosettes or rings.  Shields of this shape were from four to five feet in height, and protected the warrior from the head to the knee.  On a march they were often worn upon the back, like the convex shield of the Egyptians, which they greatly resembled.

[Illustration:  PLATE 103]

The more ordinary convex shield was of an oval form, like the convex shield of the Greeks, but larger, and with a more prominent centre. [PLATE CIII., Fig. 1.] In its greater diameter it must often have exceeded five feet, though no doubt sometimes it was smaller.  It was generally ornamented with narrow bands round the edge and round the boss at the centre, the space between the bands being frequently patterned with ring; or otherwise.  Like the other form of convex shield, it could be slung at the back, and was so carried on marches, on crossing rivers, and other similar occasions.