Shields quickly became popular all over Europe. Despite the italian name, Bohemia became a major military user and center of production for these shields.
Pavise is 4 to 5 feet high and broad enough to cover the entire body. Pavise was used by archers and (mainly) crossbowman. Crossbowman would duch behind pavise and reload his crossbow during a batlle. Pavise would be carried on the back of crossbowman and than put in front of them, in permanet position before medieval battle. Pavises could be used by linking shields together and forming a defensive screen known as Pavisad.
Pavises was painted often with coat of arms of the town where they were made or religious scenes, saints.
Pavises:
Bohemian pavise
Bohemian pavise circa 1400
Bohemian pavise circa 1480
