Phalanx Shield

Phalanx Shield

The Phalanx Shield was the standard service shield of the infantry of Ptolemaic Egypt.

Description

As a professionally forged shield, the Phalanx Shield was not only rare in the Egyptian markets but also superior in quality to average shields. Typical of shields of this era, it was circular in design and made with an outer shell of bronze. The shell was polished but not decorated, and overall the shield could withstand a barrage of blows more effectively than other contemporary shield designs.

History

The aptly named Phalanx Shield was regularly employed by the Ptolemaic Egyptian army's heavy infantry; their rectangular formations were conventionally called phalanx. Accordingly, the shield became iconic to them and remained in service to the reign of their last pharaoh, Cleopatra VII.

These shields were rare among the common people, and as a consequence, it was considered a specialty item by the Siwan blacksmith Benipe when he chanced upon one in 48 BCE. When his tools and products were confiscated by the local authorities on suspicions of his rebel sympathies, he managed to hide his Phalanx Shield, a pilum, a mattock, and a bow. After the Medjay Bayek retrieved his tools and assassinated the captain who had harassed him, Benipe let the Medjay choose one among the four as his reward.

Weapon statistics

{{#section:AC:CST/Weapons|"Phalanx Shield"}}

Rarity	Quality	HP	Attributes	Availability
Description
A classic defensive weapon used by Ptolemaic infantry units.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Origins