There are some things that can be said about the Republican Roman shields.
Polybios XI.1-3 that Hasdrubal could tell when Nero's legions joined Licinus
because the shields were different, and that they were veterans because the
shields were older. Which means that:

1. There were some difference, in color or design between legions
2. That shields were kept within the legion so that older legions had older
looking shields--and even if white linen, were faded or dirtier. My guess is
that they were painted a uniform color.

Republican Romans, from what I understand, manufactured the shields in mass
and were considered government property, which were collected at the end of
each campaign season. It would make sense that the organized Romans would
have shields color or design-coded for easy administration. Any sub-legion
shield designs, either by maniple or done by individual soldiers would be
awkward in such a system.

Best Regards,

Bill H.


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