What is lantern shields?

Lantern shields were a type of medieval shield used by knights and soldiers in the 14th and 15th centuries. They were called lantern shields because of their unique shape - they were tall and narrow, with a rounded top and a pointed bottom, resembling a lantern or a shield.

Lantern shields were primarily used to protect the knight's left side, as they were held in the left hand while wielding a sword or lance in the right hand. They were also useful for deflecting blows during jousting tournaments.

These shields were made out of wood or metal and were adorned with decorative elements such as heraldic designs or religious symbols. They were typically around 3-4 feet in height and weighed between 10-25 pounds.

Despite their popularity, lantern shields became less common in the late 15th century as knights began to favor more practical and functional shields. However, they remain a distinctive and recognizable symbol of medieval warfare.