What do You Hold Close?
Throughout ancient times warriors carried shields as part of their army outfitting. High rank or low, a shield was a possession that nearly all warriors yielded. It was held close to the person to protect the body from oncoming blows and arrows. For many cultures, the design and artwork on the outside of the shield held significance for the bearer. “The motifs painted on the shields were intended to represent their holders’ strength and warrior ethos, and possibly served to frighten the enemy. Sometimes, they represented the city of origin for the warrior in question” (Shield Emblems). In Vergil's The Aeneid, the main character yields a shield with unique artwork and images that symbolize the culture and values of Rome at the time.
One artist's depiction of the shield of Aeneas.
One of the images on Aeneas’s shield was a depiction of the Rape of Lucretia. This important event was recorded by the author, Livy and explained the rape of an important nobleman’s wife by the tyrannical Etruscan king’s son, Sextus Tarquinius (Lucrecia). In order to set a virtuous example to other women, Lucretia committed suicide to deny the possibility of justifying immoral, unchaste behavior. Her suicide sends a clear message that Romans highly valued their reputation, honor, and virtue.
Besides demonstrating strong Roman values, The Rape of Lucretia also sets the stage for another image included on the shield of Aeneas: the rise of the Roman Republic, or Res Publica Romana. Many leaders from Rome’s early development are included on the shield. Lucius Junius Brutus helped establish many of the basic institutions of the Roman Republic (Ancient). Horatius Cocles defended Rome on the Sublician bridge from the Etruscan invaders (Horatius Cocles). Figures from later Roman history were also included such as Julius and Augustus Caesar.
Lucius Junius Brutus
These Roman figures were highlighted on the shield because of their contributions to the Roman Republic which communicates several things about Rome at the time. First, the Romans took great pride in their form of government. With its system of innovative checks and balances, the Res Publica was unlike anything the world had ever seen before and a huge part of Roman culture and politics. Second, the Romans highly respected their leaders and saw ruling as an art form that they strove to master. Lastly, these images reinforce the question that Romans consistently asked themselves, “What have you done for Rome?” Loyalty to Rome often came above family and as Romans walked out their homes, they passed by funeral masks of their ancestors, urging them to remember their great deeds, and inspire them to fight for Rome. In a similar manner, the deeds done by the heroes depicted on Aeneas’s shield called Romans to arms for their country and their honor.
Roman funeral mask.
Similarly, Moroni, a prophet and military leader in The Book of Mormon called his people to arms. His country was facing political conflict as factions of the populations began to rebel against the current political system governed by judges and fight for a king to be established. Angered by the corrupted rebellion, Moroni ripped his coat and wrote a message to urge his people to fight for their God, their freedom, and their families. With his torn coat he created a flag that he waved behind him as he marched through the streets. Inspired by his message the people followed and the rebellion was quieted (Alma 46). Although his message was declared on a flag, not a shield, it is representative of the culture and values of his people. If a shield were to be created for these people, it would include depictions of God, a family and a symbol of freedom.
Moroni waving his flag and declaring his message to the people.
Moroni waving his flag and declaring his message to the people.
The very first thing that Moroni mentions in his declaration is God. It is clear that his people, the Nephites, loved God and sought to follow Him as described in this verse:
“And it came to pass that when Moroni had proclaimed these words, behold, the people came running together with their armor girded about their loins, rending their garments in token, or as a covenant, that they would not forsake the Lord their God; or, in other words, if they should transgress the commandments of God, or fall into transgression, and be ashamed to take upon them the name of Christ, the Lord should rend them even as they had rent their garments” (Alma 46).
Their running response demonstrates that they are both fiercely loyal to their God and to the freedoms that protect their rights to worship Him. As seen in Moroni’s declaration the Nephites highly valued the freedoms they enjoyed, including religious freedom. Their quick response, even at the danger of losing their lives, communicates their love of family-- that they would be willing to sacrifice even their lives to protect their wives and children. Although surely not entirely comprehensive, the three things mentioned in Moroni’s declaration are representative of the primary values of the Nephite people.
Thus, it would be appropriate that a Nephite shield would include symbols of these three parts of Moroni’s message. A portrayal of God and the scriptures would be included to represent their dedication to Him and His teachings. Following the symbolism of Moroni’s rent garments, the shield would also include a depiction of Joseph of Egypt’s rent coat as a symbol of freedom. Even though Joseph was cast into bondage for a time, by following God’s commandments, he was able to earn his own freedom, and even bring freedom from famine to his family (Alma 46). Likewise, Moroni’s men fought for freedom for their beloved families, and an image of a family would be included on the shield.
Nephite warriors carrying shields.
Although the shield of Aeneas and the shield of Moroni would contain different imagery consistent with their respective cultures, they would have one thing in common. Their shields, both literally and figuratively, would represent what they as a people held close to their hearts.
Works Cited
“Alma 46.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/46.12?lang=eng#p11.
“Ancient Men of Power: The Roman Republic's Most Influential Leaders.” HistoryCollection.co, 30 Oct. 2017, historycollection.co/spqr-roman-republics-influential-leaders/.
“Horatius Cocles.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 19 Sept. 2008, www.britannica.com/topic/Horatius-Cocles.
“Lucretia.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 7 Aug. 2015, www.britannica.com/topic/Lucretia-ancient-Roman-heroine.
“Shield Emblems in Ancient Italy.” Karwansaray Publishers Blog, 8 Feb. 2017, www.karwansaraypublishers.com/awblog/shield-emblems-in-ancient-italy/.
I loved the thought put into the detail of Aeneas’ shield, and the symbolism you describe. For example,I liked how you talked about how the shield depicts the Rape of Lucretia and then you analyzed this event to show that the image present on the shield shows that Romans value their reputation, honor, and virtue. You even go further to describe how the Rape of Lucretia set the stage for other images on the shield, which gave your paper good unity and flow. I thought the shield you created for Moroni’s people was an interesting comparison to the Romans as they were both warring cultures, but with different values and reasons for fighting.
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