Winter lecture - Medieval kite shields

Published on February 4, 2021
Duration: 73:11

This lecture by Dr. Keith Dowan from the Royal Armouries delves into the history and construction of medieval kite shields, focusing on two significant discoveries in Szczecin, Poland. The presentation details the archaeological context, dating methods, materials, and construction techniques of these shields, while also exploring the broader origins and evolution of the kite shield in medieval Europe. Dowan highlights the importance of these rare surviving examples for understanding medieval warfare and technology.

Quick Summary

The two kite shields discovered in Szczecin, Poland, are of immense importance as they are among the very few surviving wooden shields from the medieval period found outside of Scandinavia. Their discovery provides invaluable physical evidence for understanding medieval shield construction, technology, and warfare, complementing existing pictorial sources.

Chapters

  1. 10:08Introduction by Royal Armouries
  2. 12:22Lecture Begins: Medieval Kite Shields
  3. 13:25Location: Szczecin, Poland
  4. 15:16Discovery of the Painted Shield
  5. 16:12Discovery of the Second Kite Shield
  6. 17:00Historical Context: Danish Attacks
  7. 18:28General Knowledge of Kite Shields
  8. 19:00Pit Rivers Museum Shield Analysis
  9. 19:36Swiss Kite Shield Analysis
  10. 20:26Origin of the Kite Shield
  11. 21:00Fatimid Dynasty and Kite Shields
  12. 22:12Flat vs. Curved Shields
  13. 23:26Unusual Angled Top of Szczecin Shields
  14. 24:09Construction of the Painted Shield
  15. 26:03Arm Straps on the Painted Shield
  16. 26:57Construction of the Unpainted Shield
  17. 27:30Shield Board Thickness Debate
  18. 28:25Assembly of Shield Boards
  19. 29:20Laminated Shield Construction
  20. 31:32Shield Coverings
  21. 33:44Painted Design Analysis
  22. 34:15Pigment Identification
  23. 35:06Symbolism of Red Color
  24. 35:31Shield Straps and Balance
  25. 36:26Unpainted Shield Strap Holes
  26. 37:01Conclusion: Kite Shield Evolution
  27. 38:19Q&A: Shield Coverings and Glue
  28. 40:16Q&A: Rim Attachment
  29. 41:14Q&A: Origin of the Term 'Kite Shield'
  30. 42:35Q&A: Byzantine Empire Origin Debate
  31. 44:16Q&A: Mounted vs. Foot Combat
  32. 45:43Q&A: Trondheim Shield Literature
  33. 46:52Q&A: Shield Weight
  34. 47:40Q&A: Dating the Unpainted Shield
  35. 48:13Q&A: Other Artifacts Found
  36. 48:42Q&A: Pit River Shield Evidence
  37. 50:50Q&A: Round vs. Kite Shields
  38. 52:38Q&A: Shield Wall Use
  39. 55:33Q&A: Practical Use as Weapon
  40. 57:06Q&A: Reconstruction of Painted Shield
  41. 57:13Q&A: Red and the Sacred
  42. 58:33Q&A: Damage and Resistance
  43. 61:21Q&A: Losota Reconstruction
  44. 63:00Q&A: Siege Shields Evidence
  45. 64:41Q&A: Favorite Kite Shield Decoration
  46. 65:19Closing Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the two kite shields found in Szczecin, Poland?

The two kite shields from Szczecin are of immense importance because they are among the very few surviving wooden shields from the medieval period found outside of Scandinavia. Their discovery provides invaluable physical evidence for understanding medieval shield construction, technology, and warfare, complementing existing pictorial sources.

When and why were the Szczecin kite shields likely deposited?

The deposition of the Szczecin shields likely occurred in the late 12th century, coinciding with a period of intense Danish attacks and territorial disputes in the region. It is hypothesized that the shields were considered unusable or broken, leading to their incorporation into defensive rampart construction.

What are the key construction features of the Szczecin kite shields?

The painted shield was made of seven alder planks joined edge-to-edge, featuring eight holes for arm straps. The unpainted shield was likely constructed from fewer planks and had a triangular apex. Both shields had beveled outer edges for rim attachment, likely leather, and were probably covered in rawhide.

Where did the kite shield originate, and how did it spread?

The kite shield's origins are traced to the Byzantine and Islamic worlds, possibly as a royal emblem of the Fatimid dynasty. It spread westward by the early 11th century, potentially accelerated by returning Europeans from the Byzantine army, the Norman conquest of Sicily, and the First Crusade.

What was the primary material used for the Szczecin kite shields?

Microscopic analysis revealed that both the painted and unpainted kite shields from Szczecin were made of alder wood. Alder was favored for its lightweight and resistance to mechanical stress, common in shields from Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian contexts.

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