These belts were called “telamones” (τελαμώνες). The shield had at least one central handle for its holding by the warrior in battle, and one or more shoulder belts, in order to hang it on his back when not used. Notches also facilitated the hanging (suspension) of the Dipylon shield on the warrior’s back, in order not to restrict his elbows when he walked. In the middle of its surface, the Dipylon shield had two semicircular notches for the easier handling of the offensive weapons (spear or sword). It had a curved form in order to embrace the warrior’s body. Despite its size, the Dipylon shield was light due to its materials.

It was made of wicker and leather, without excluding further strengthening of wooden parts. It was a large and long shield, covering the warrior from chin to knees. The Dipylon shield is named after the Athenian Dipylon gate, where a number of pottery with depictions of that type of shield, was discovered. The shields of the Geometric period belonged to two main types: the “Dipylon” type shield and the “Herzsprung” type. The Geometric Period (11th-8th centuries BC) preceded the invention of the hoplite warfare and the hoplite phalanx (about 700 BC). In the interior of the hoplite shield, you can see the “antilave” ( «αντιλαβή », handle/handgrip), the “porpax” ( «πόρπαξ », fastener for the elbow) and the “telamons” ( «τελαμώνες », shoulder belts)/ (Paris, Louvre Museum) He is armed with a bronze cuirass, a hoplite sword and a hoplite shield of the Argive type.

A vase painting depicting a hoplite, 5th century BC.

Hoplite shield medusa