No matter how armor changed through the ages, one thing held firm - holding something between you and the enemy usually was the best way to survive. Greek Hoplites, Roman Legionnaires, Norman infantry, and late Medieval crossbowmen all held to this belief. From the basic 'grab the handle and stand next to your friend concept, to the pavise, with its folding spike to turn a large shield into a short wall to hide behind when reloading, shields were the defense of choice throughout the world for millennia!