About Greek Mythology Shields
In ancient Greek society, the Hoplite was a soldier who was only as good as his shield. Many of these shields were decorates with mythological symbols meant to evoke the legends of the ancient Greeks. These shields were amazing works of art as well as defensive armor without peer for hundreds of years.
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History
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The Hoplite shield was a large, round shield that was meant to protect the body of the soldier as well as to overlap with the soldier next to him. These shields were constructed of layers of tough leather, linen, wood, and usually finished with a bronze or copper skin. These shields were amazingly heavy, some weighing up to 20 pounds. Because Hoplites provided their own armor, each shield was decorated in an individual style.
Significance
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The symbols emblazoned on the front of a Greek shield were often drawn from mythology. Ancient Greek pottery often depicted either battles or warriors about to go to battle, so scholars have a wealth of information about Greek shields. Pegasus was a popular symbol representing some of the mythical beings sent by the gods to assist Greek heroes, such as Perseus. Other symbols included the lightning bolts of Zeus and stylized eyes.
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Function
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Other shield symbols included references to Greek heroes. One popular design was the head of Medusa which was slain by the Greek hero Perseus. Perseus was favored by Athena who gave him her shield. Perseus was able to slay the gorgon, Medusa, because he avoided her petrifying gaze by looking at her in the reflection of his shiny shield. In honor of his feat, many Greek Hoplite painted their interpretations of Medusa on their shields.
Features
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Perhaps the most feared of symbols on a Greek shield was the inverted "V" of the Spartans. This symbol represented the time when the Spartans settled in the Pelopenesian peninsula and defeated the original inhabitants there in a bloody and savage battle. Much like the Roman myth of Romulus and Remus, this story was the basis of the Spartan culture which ensured the finest fighting force on the Mediterranean.
Theories/Speculation
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Modern interpretations of Greek mythological symbols on shields have appeared in film, television and in politics. Another popular symbol among the Greeks was one which became corrupted by the Nazi regime in the 1930s and '40s--the swastika. A pre-Christian symbol, the swastika was used extensively throughout the ancient world as a geometrical design, especially in Greece. Other symbols and designs for shields which are somewhat authentic have appeared in major motion pictures such as "Alexander" and "300," though it should be noted that the Spartans in "300" lacked the iconic inverted "V" symbol in its traditional colors, instead opting for an all-bronze face.
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