The Shields of the Templars
The Order of the Templars, also known as the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, was a Christian military order established during the 12th century. The Templars played a significant role in the Crusades and other Christian conflicts, and they wore various types of armor, including shields, to defend themselves on the battlefield.
The Kite-Shaped Shield
The kite-shaped shield was one of the most common shields used by the Templars. This type of shield was characterized by its triangular shape, with the wide part at the top and a pointed end at the bottom. The kite shield was made of wood, covered with leather or canvas, and reinforced with metal ribs or plates. This type of shield was often worn by infantry soldiers and offered protection against arrows, javelins, and other projectiles.
The Concave Shield
The concave shield was another type of shield used by the Templars. This shield was characterized by its concave shape, with a curved surface that sloped inward. The concave shield was often used by knights and other cavalry units, as it offered additional protection against sword strikes and other close-range attacks. The concave shield was typically made of metal and was often decorated with family crests or coats of arms.
The Pilum Shield
The pilum shield was a lightweight, curved shield made of wood or metal, designed to deflect and disrupt enemy projectiles. The pilum shield was often used by the Templars as a secondary shield, and its curved shape allowed it to deflect arrows and other missiles.
The Bocle Shield
The bocle shield was a type of shield that emerged during the 12th century. This shield was made of wood or metal, with a flat face and a curved or concave shape. The bocle shield was often worn by infantry soldiers, who used it to defend against arrows and other projectiles. The bocle shield was also used as a secondary shield by cavalry units, who would attach it to their horse or their own body armor.
The Use of Shields
Shields were a vital part of the Templars’ armor, offering protection against a variety of enemy attacks. The type of shield used by a particular Templar unit depended on the unit’s purpose, the terrain, and the type of enemy being fought. For example, knights and other cavalry units typically used concave or curved shields, while infantry units used kite-shaped or convex shields.
Summary of Shields Used by the Templars
Here is a summary of the various types of shields used by the Templars:
• Kite-shaped shield: Used by infantry soldiers and offers protection against arrows and projectiles.
• Concave shield: Used by knights and other cavalry units and offers additional protection against close-range attacks.
• Pilum shield: A lightweight, curved shield used as a secondary shield to deflect projectiles.
• Bocle shield: A type of shield with a flat face and curved or concave shape, used by infantry soldiers and cavalry units as a secondary shield.
In conclusion, the shields used by the Templars played an important role in the armor and tactics of these Christian warriors. The variety of shields used by the Templars reflects the complex nature of medieval warfare and the need for flexibility and adaptability on the battlefield.
References
- "The Knight: The Life and Times of Sir Edward of Windsor," by Malcolm Wade and Robert Hardy.
- "The Templar," by John Julius Norwich.
- "The Art of Warfare: A Guide to Modern History," by Jeremy Black.
- "The Medieval Warrior," by David Nicolle.