THUREOS Meaning and
Definition
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Thureos is a term derived from ancient Greek and refers to a specific type of round shield used by infantry soldiers in various ancient civilizations. This type of shield typically had a circular shape and was made of wood or sometimes metal. It featured a central grip for the soldier to hold and a rim encircling the edge for added stability and protection. The thureos was often smaller and lighter than other types of shields, allowing for greater mobility in combat.
Historically, the thureos was primarily associated with ancient Greek hoplites, who were heavily armed foot soldiers. These shields played a significant role in ancient Greek warfare, providing crucial protection for the warriors on the front line. While the exact design of thureos shields varied over time and across regions, they commonly featured distinctive patterns or symbols on their surface, which could be used to identify different groups or city-states.
Apart from Greece, the thureos was also used by soldiers in other ancient civilizations such as the Romans and Macedonians. It is worth noting that the term "thureos" may also encompass similar round shields used in other cultures, such as the Celtic torques or Scandinavian roundshields.
Today, the term "thureos" is mainly used in historical and archaeological contexts to describe this particular type of shield, shedding light on the military strategies and equipment of ancient civilizations.
Etymology of THUREOS
The word "thureos" comes from the Ancient Greek θυρεός (thureós). Its etymology is not entirely clear, but it is believed to be derived from the Greek word θρύος (thrýos), meaning "door" or "gateway", which in turn might have originated from the Greek verb θύρειν (thýrein), meaning "to guard" or "to protect". In ancient times, the thureos referred to a circular or oval-shaped shield used by Greek soldiers.
