The aspis was a type of shield used in ancient Greece, primarily by the hoplites, who were heavily armed foot soldiers. It was typically round and made of wood, covered with a layer of bronze for added protection. The aspis was designed to be large enough to cover the soldier's body, allowing for effective defense during battle. The aspis featured a central grip and a strap on the back, enabling soldiers to hold it securely while fighting. Its size and shape allowed for a strong defensive formation known as the phalanx, where soldiers would stand shoulder to shoulder, creating a wall of shields to protect against enemy attacks.