Athenian shield with Owl

Ancient Greek hoplite Athenian shield, bearing the Owl, the emblem of Athens.

The shield, aspis in Greek, was carried by Greek infantry (hoplites) of various periods and is often referred to as a hoplon.

A hoplon shield was a deeply dished shield made of wood. Some shields had a thin sheet of bronze on the outer face, often just around the rim. In some periods, the convention was to decorate the aspis; in others, it was usually left plain.

The shield carries the owl in the center, the symbol of the mighty city of Athens (more on ancient Athens…)

The shield comes with a marble stand and it is not a full size shield.