pajzsot

Pajzsot refers to a medieval Hungarian defensive unit or defensive structure used during battles. The word "pajzs" is Hungarian for "shield", indicating the primary function of these defensive formations or barriers.

Pajzsot units typically consisted of long, narrow shields, often made of wood or metal, which were carried by mounted men. These shields were arranged in a single row or in multiple rows behind each other to form a defensive wall or screen. The shields were used to protect the soldiers behind them from arrows, lances, and other projectiles.

The pajzsot was an integral part of Hungarian cavalry tactics during the Middle Ages. Hungarian warriors often employed this defensive tactic to repel enemy cavalry charges or to break through enemy lines. The shields were typically made of smooth or rounded wood, allowing them to be held with one hand while still providing adequate protection.

There are instances of pajzsot being used in battles by Hungarian warriors alongside other defensive structures such as the szőnyog, a type of defensive booth used during sieges. Archaeological finds and historical records have provided insight into the structure and use of pajzsot in medieval Hungarian warfare.