account of a Roman shield array being defeated by Parthian knights and horse archers at the Battle of Carrhae: Special uses Cassius Dio describes scuta being used to aid an ambush: Dio also notes the use of the scutum as a tool of psychological warfare during the capture of Syracuse: In 27 BC, the emperor Augustus was awarded a golden shield by the senate for his part in ending the civil war and restoring the republic, according to the Res Gestae Divi Augusti. The shield, the Res Gestae says, was hung outside the Curia Julia, serving as a symbol of the princeps "valour, clemency, justice and piety". The 5th century writer Vegetius added that scuta helped in identification: Other uses of the word The name Scutum has been adopted as one of the 88 modern constellations, and by UK luxury clothing maker Aquascutum, which became famous in the 19th century for its waterproof menswear. Hence the name, which in Latin means "water shield". In zoology, the term scute or scutum is used for a flat and hardened part of the anatomy of an animal, such as the shell of a turtle. See also Clipeus (shield) Imago clipeata (shield portrait) Parma (shield) Notes References James, Simon (2004). Excavations at Dura-Europos 1928–1937. Final Report VII. The Arms and Armour and Other Military Equipment. London: British Museum Press. . McDowall, Simon (1994). Late Roman Infantryman AD236–565. Osprey Publishing. Nabbefeld, Ansgar (2008). Roman Shields. Studies on archaeological finds and iconographic evidence from the end of Republic to the late Empire. Cologne. Robinson, H.R. (1975). The Armour of Imperial Rome. London: Arms and Armour Press. . External links for online translations of Plutarch, Polybius, Cassius Dio and other antique authors for the Study and Photographs of Roman Legion and Auxillia Shield and Painting Patterns Ancient Roman legionary equipment Roman shields Wood products