The shield was a key part of the equipment of the Greek hoplite
warrior. Hoplite is derived from the Greek word for a type of heavy
shield, hoplon. Though small in the early days of Greek warfare, Greek
shields increased in size in middle to later eras, evolving to a much
larger round form and later still to a rectangular shape. The shield was made of multiple layers of metal (bronze, copper, or sometimes tin), wood and tough linen, cloth or leather and could weigh as much as 15 to 20 pounds. A shield was one of the more complicated and valuable parts of a Greek hoplite's arms and armor. Families of a warrior culture such as the Spartans depended on re-use of the family shield if possible. Each hoplite chose his own shield design.
