Roman Shields
The Roman shield was a big rectangular curved protective device that covered most of the soldier's body. It was made out of two sheets of wood glued together. This laminated wood was covered with leather. A metal boss was riveted to the center of the shield. The shield was about three and a half feet high and two feet wide it. It weighed about 22 pounds. The boss on the shield was used for pushing the enemy down to the ground, and then he could be stabbed with a short sword. The shield was one of the most effective weapons for the Roman soldier because it could be used both offensively and defensively. The design on the shield indicated the military unit the soldier belonged to.
Roman Weapons
The short sword was the primary weapon that the Roman soldier used for hand-to-hand combat. It originated in Spain and was called the gladius. It had a sharp point and was used for stabbing more so than slashing.
Modern Shields
The modern shield would have to be a riot shield. Its like a roman shield but they don't kill with this they just push and hurt people.The modern shield is rectangular and curved to protect the person behind it .These shield is used to protect the person holding it from pipes and other harmful things. The most strongest part on the shield is the middle like the roman shield has its mettle peace this has ha large thick plastic peace.the riot shield is made from polycarbonate or metal.
Modern Weapons
The modern bayonet is perhaps the closest equivalent to the gladius used by the Romans. It is a combat weapon in the form of a knife which is placed on the end of a rifle.The bayonet is used in hand-to-hand combat, much as the gladius was, and like the gladius, it is intended for stabbing, rather than slashing, the enemy. The bayonet does not cover the barrel of the gun which means the gun can still be fired.