A Hungarian (or Hungarian-style) shield was a specific form of
targe
The targe is a type of strapped round shield that was used by Scottish Highlanders in the early modern period. From the late 16th century, until the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the Scottish Highlander's main means of defence in battle was his ...
. It was rectangular at the bottom, but the upper edge swept upward forming a curve. The elongated upper edge was designed to protect the head and neck against
sabre
A sabre or saber ( ) is a type of backsword with a curved blade associated with the light cavalry of the Early Modern warfare, early modern and Napoleonic period, Napoleonic periods. Originally associated with Central European cavalry such a ...
cuts. They were characteristic for the
Hungarian light cavalry. During the 16th century, the design became popular across much of eastern Europe, among both
Christian
A Christian () is a person who follows or adheres to Christianity, a Monotheism, monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus in Christianity, Jesus Christ. Christians form the largest religious community in the wo ...
and
Muslim
Muslims () are people who adhere to Islam, a Monotheism, monotheistic religion belonging to the Abrahamic religions, Abrahamic tradition. They consider the Quran, the foundational religious text of Islam, to be the verbatim word of the God ...
horsemen.
In contrast, the 15th-century German
Gladiatoria fechtbuch
Martial arts manuals are instructions, with or without illustrations, specifically designed to be learnt from a book. Many books detailing specific techniques of martial arts are often erroneously called manuals but were written as treatises.
Pros ...
depicts what it calls ''ungrischer schilt'' used by two fencers on foot. The upward sweeping edge is less pronounced to the point of symmetry. A point is attached to the lower (hand-side) edge, apparently for offensive use, similar to a
katar.
See also
*
Lantern shield
The lantern shield is a small shield combined with a lantern used during the Italian Renaissance (15th and 16th century Italy) especially for night time duels. A number of specimens survive. Their defining feature is a small circular shield – a ...
References
External links
16th century example(www.metmuseum.org)
Medieval shields
Shields
Weapons of Hungary
{{Shield-stub