shield walls

A shield wall is a defensive formation used primarily by ancient and medieval warriors, particularly in battles. Soldiers would stand closely together, aligning their shields to create a solid barrier against enemy attacks. This formation not only protected individual soldiers but also strengthened their collective defense, making it difficult for opponents to break through. Shield walls were effective in hand-to-hand combat, allowing troops to thrust spears and swords at foes while remaining shielded. This tactic was commonly employed by Viking and Anglo-Saxon armies among others, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and strategy in warfare.