Ancient Times, The Most Frequently Utilized Shield Type Was The 'hoplon,' which originated from the Greeks, featuring a circular design constructed from both wood and bronze. These shields evolved from earlier versions entirely fashioned from bronze. Shields crafted in the Middle Ages served the purpose of protecting knights or soldiers from direct attacks from their foes' weapons. Additionally, these shields were utilized as blunt force weapons themselves. Knights at the Pella academy practiced the use of shields as weapons. These shields, oval or round, were constructed from light yet durable wood, covered in leather for reinforcement. The edges were lined with metal for added protection. Each shield featured a hole in the center, connected by a hand grip on the inside and a shield boss on the outside. Common armaments used with shields included spears, swords, axes, and bows and arrows. It's important to note that a shield wasn't just a tool for combat; it was essentially armor. This is why knights equipped with heavy armor seldom used shields, and why hoplites didn't wear armor on their torso and upper legs since the shield offered nearly full-body protection.