The shield is an active defense weapon because, unlike armor that protects "by clothing the body" (breastplate, helmet, etc.), the shield can be moved by its bearer. By pushing with it, they could clear a path and break through the enemy's tight ranks.
The shield was not usually abandoned out of honor, but also because it was not so easy in a moment of danger to run and discard a shield that was strapped on. Not abandoning one's shield on the battlefield was interpreted as a symbol of the warrior's courage.
The tight formation and the ability to protect oneself with a comrade's shield was a guarantee.
"Each soldier tries to cover as much of his exposed side as possible with the shield of the man aligned to his right..." (Thucydides)
Medieval Shield, Swiss style with three points at the chief and ending in a point at the bottom. It is decorated with the Cross of the Order of Calatrava, consisting of a gules Greek cross, with its arms shaped like fleur-de-lis.
From the Exclusive Collection of Historical Shields by Marto.
Certificate of Origin and Quality. Made in Toledo.