Spartan Shield
The Spartan shield, or Greek shield, was one of the three features of ancient Greek body armor. Other items include helmet and a breastplate. The letter lambda (Λ), was painted on the Spartans' shields and quickly became a widely known Spartan symbol. Military families passed down their shields to each generation as family heirlooms. The technical use of Spartan shields evolved from bashing and shield wall tactics and were of such great importance in the Spartan army that losing a shield was a sign of disgrace. Not only did it protect the user, but it also protected the whole phalanx formation. To come home without the shield was the mark of a deserter; rhipsaspia or "dropping the shield", was a synonym for desertion in the field. Mothers bidding farewell to their sons would encourage them to come back with their shields, often saying goodbyes like "Son, either with this or on this" meaning they should return only in victory, a controlled retreat, or death, their body being carried on the shield.
This shield is made of 20-gauge steel and is 24” in diameter.