The Legionnaire's Battle Shield was an indispensable component of the warriors of the Roman Empire. They often weighed as much as 20 lbs and were carried on their person during long forced marches that could exceed 20 miles per day. Combined with their banded armour and other weapons the Legionnaire was expected to carry over 70 lbs of weaponry and armour. This all metal hand painted shield protected the troops in close combat from sword spears arrow and rock assaults.