Experimental Archaeology with a Viking Age Round Shield

The following clip shows a series of experimental trials undertaken with a Viking Age round shield reconstruction. The experiment attempted to determine what body techniques Viking Age round shields are inclined to facilitate and which they restrict or otherwise discourage. More specifically, the aim was to critically assess body techniques in terms of deflection and to obtain empirical data outlining the effects associated with an aggressive as well as relatively passive use of the shield. The terms “aggre