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Ancient Greek Shield . History behind the Shield. The Ancient Greeks in place of flags had shields bearing distinct and symbolic signs. This allowed them to recognized their fellow-soldiers in battle. On their shields, they gave their military oath, and that oath-giving was a sacred ceremony.
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History behind the Shield • The Ancient Greeks in place of flags had shields bearing distinct and symbolic signs. • This allowed them to recognized their fellow-soldiers in battle. • On their shields, they gave their military oath, and that oath-giving was a sacred ceremony. • The Shield (Hoplon, meaning weapon), was made of wood, which was hollowed inside to allow for the soldiers to fit into it. • The surface of the Hoplon was covered in bronze or leather.
Spartan Shield Symbol is the Letter L (Lambda) in the Greek Alphabet Lacedaemon- Sparta’s ancient name (2 names used interchangeably)
Athenian Shield The owl was a symbol of the goddess Athena, patron goddess of Athens
Another Athenian Shield Medusa’s head (Greek Mythology story that Perseus killed Medusa, and dedicated her beheaded head to Athena’s temple in Athens)
Other Shields Represented the sun with 8 rays (Macedonia) Scorpion sent to kill Orion (Son of Poseidon) Pegasus mythical creature Snake Dragon of Aegiads