For fighting at a distance, a Roman soldier would throw ... Up close, he would thrust a deadly stabbing sword called a gladius and they used a large shield called a scutum to protect themselves.

Bloody, brutal but popular, gladiatorial contests are often seen as the dark side of Roman civilization ... and the Samnites had a sword, an oblong shield and a helmet with a visor.

What it is: A wooden and leather shield used by a Roman soldier in battle Where it is from: Dura-Europos, Syria When it was made: Second century A.D. Related: Babylonian tablet preserves student's ...

This could lead to Roman Reigns forming his own version of The Shield in WWE to fight Rollins' Shield. While his former Shield brother, Jon Moxley, aka Dean Ambrose, can't come to Roman's aid ...