A thureos is a type of ancient Greek shield, characterized by its large, rectangular shape and a curved surface. It was typically made of wood and covered with metal or leather for added protection. The thureos was designed to be lightweight, allowing soldiers to carry it easily while providing ample coverage during battle. This shield was commonly used by the Thracians and later adopted by other Greek city-states. Its design allowed for better mobility compared to round shields, making it suitable for both infantry and light-armed troops. The thureos played a significant role in the evolution of ancient warfare tactics.