Make & colour · Kids’ activities

Make a cardboard Roman shield

Turn a cardboard box into a decorated shield, with a hand grip and an optional raised boss. Includes a printable guide.

Ages 7+ with an adult · 45-60 minutes, plus drying time

Print your activity

Download the A4 PDF (2 pages)

Free for home and classroom use. Print single-sided in black and white. Use A4 paper.

Printable make a cardboard roman shield sheet preview
Preview of one page. Download the PDF for the complete instructions.

You will need

A clean cardboard box, pencil, ruler, masking tape, child-safe scissors, glue stick or PVA, pens or water-based paint. Optional: a clean shallow paper cup.

Get making

  1. Choose a size

    Draw a rectangle about 30 cm wide and 40 cm high on the card. Try holding the uncut piece. Make it smaller if it feels awkward.

  2. Cut and cover the edges

    Ask an adult to cut the outline and round the corners. Cover the edges with masking tape. Keep the shield flat; there is no need to force stiff card into a curve.

  3. Plan a pattern

    Draw a central circle and a repeating pattern around it. Try the shield colouring sheet first. Choose lightning shapes, leaves or your own symbols.

  4. Colour the front

    Use pens, crayons or water-based paint. Leave a clear space for the boss, if you are adding one. Let paint dry fully.

  5. Add a boss if you like

    An adult can trim a shallow paper cup to about 2 cm deep. Glue its open rim to the front centre and tape around the join. A drawn circle works too.

  6. Make the hand grip

    Cut a strip of card about 20 cm long and 5 cm wide. Fold back 4 cm at each end. Tape these ends securely to the back, leaving the middle raised enough for your fingers. Hold the grip in your hand; do not make straps around your arm.

  7. Check and display

    Let the glue dry. Ask an adult to check the edges and handle. Pose for a photo or display your shield. Use it for gentle posing, without hitting, charging or throwing.

  8. Explain the design

    What does your symbol mean? Where does your pattern repeat? Name one difference between your cardboard shield and a Roman soldier’s equipment.

Before you start

An adult should cut thick cardboard and trim the cup. This is a lightweight craft prop for display and gentle posing.

Look at a surviving shield

Roman soldiers used a range of shields. A rare rectangular example from Dura-Europos has painted animals and victory symbols. Our version uses modern materials and your own decoration.

Explore more

British Museum: a surviving Roman shield

Plan your shield on the colouring sheet

Romans in Britain · Learning resources