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A testudo was a military formation which gave the troops protection from things being thrown/shot down on them in siege operations. It was formed by the men interlocking their shields above their heads and along the sides like a turtle in its shell. This way the men, for example, were able to dig under or weaken the enemy's wall making it easier for the battering rams to do their job.

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What is testudo in ancient Rome?

Testudo, literally means tortoise. In the Roman army it was a form of defense for attackers. The soldiers held their shields above their heads and along the sides for the formation. The shields were interlocked. This tactic protected the attaching force from missiles shot from walls and from the sides.


Why was the roman shield called a scutum?

The Roman shield was called a "scutum" because it was a distinctive type of shield used by Roman legions, characterized by its large, rectangular shape and curved design. The term "scutum" is derived from Latin, reflecting the shield's importance in Roman military tactics and formations, particularly the testudo or tortoise formation. Its design provided excellent protection for soldiers while allowing for effective combat and maneuverability.


Why was the tortoise formation the Romans use so effective?

The tortoise formation was used in siege situations and protected the men under its rows of interlocking shields while they moved up against an enemy's wall. It was so effective because of the sturdiness of the roman shields. It is said that a chariot could be driven over the top of the testudo/tortoise.The tortoise formation was used in siege situations and protected the men under its rows of interlocking shields while they moved up against an enemy's wall. It was so effective because of the sturdiness of the roman shields. It is said that a chariot could be driven over the top of the testudo/tortoise.The tortoise formation was used in siege situations and protected the men under its rows of interlocking shields while they moved up against an enemy's wall. It was so effective because of the sturdiness of the roman shields. It is said that a chariot could be driven over the top of the testudo/tortoise.The tortoise formation was used in siege situations and protected the men under its rows of interlocking shields while they moved up against an enemy's wall. It was so effective because of the sturdiness of the roman shields. It is said that a chariot could be driven over the top of the testudo/tortoise.The tortoise formation was used in siege situations and protected the men under its rows of interlocking shields while they moved up against an enemy's wall. It was so effective because of the sturdiness of the roman shields. It is said that a chariot could be driven over the top of the testudo/tortoise.The tortoise formation was used in siege situations and protected the men under its rows of interlocking shields while they moved up against an enemy's wall. It was so effective because of the sturdiness of the roman shields. It is said that a chariot could be driven over the top of the testudo/tortoise.The tortoise formation was used in siege situations and protected the men under its rows of interlocking shields while they moved up against an enemy's wall. It was so effective because of the sturdiness of the roman shields. It is said that a chariot could be driven over the top of the testudo/tortoise.The tortoise formation was used in siege situations and protected the men under its rows of interlocking shields while they moved up against an enemy's wall. It was so effective because of the sturdiness of the roman shields. It is said that a chariot could be driven over the top of the testudo/tortoise.The tortoise formation was used in siege situations and protected the men under its rows of interlocking shields while they moved up against an enemy's wall. It was so effective because of the sturdiness of the roman shields. It is said that a chariot could be driven over the top of the testudo/tortoise.


What is the roman army tortiose formation and what is used for?

The Roman army tortoise formation called the "testudo" was a defensive measure in which a formation of men interlocked their shields above their heads and along the sides giving the unit the same kind of protection that a shell gives a tortoise. The formation was used for attacking fortifications such as city walls, and protected the men from the nasty thing the defenders shot down on them.The Roman army tortoise formation called the "testudo" was a defensive measure in which a formation of men interlocked their shields above their heads and along the sides giving the unit the same kind of protection that a shell gives a tortoise. The formation was used for attacking fortifications such as city walls, and protected the men from the nasty thing the defenders shot down on them.The Roman army tortoise formation called the "testudo" was a defensive measure in which a formation of men interlocked their shields above their heads and along the sides giving the unit the same kind of protection that a shell gives a tortoise. The formation was used for attacking fortifications such as city walls, and protected the men from the nasty thing the defenders shot down on them.The Roman army tortoise formation called the "testudo" was a defensive measure in which a formation of men interlocked their shields above their heads and along the sides giving the unit the same kind of protection that a shell gives a tortoise. The formation was used for attacking fortifications such as city walls, and protected the men from the nasty thing the defenders shot down on them.The Roman army tortoise formation called the "testudo" was a defensive measure in which a formation of men interlocked their shields above their heads and along the sides giving the unit the same kind of protection that a shell gives a tortoise. The formation was used for attacking fortifications such as city walls, and protected the men from the nasty thing the defenders shot down on them.The Roman army tortoise formation called the "testudo" was a defensive measure in which a formation of men interlocked their shields above their heads and along the sides giving the unit the same kind of protection that a shell gives a tortoise. The formation was used for attacking fortifications such as city walls, and protected the men from the nasty thing the defenders shot down on them.The Roman army tortoise formation called the "testudo" was a defensive measure in which a formation of men interlocked their shields above their heads and along the sides giving the unit the same kind of protection that a shell gives a tortoise. The formation was used for attacking fortifications such as city walls, and protected the men from the nasty thing the defenders shot down on them.The Roman army tortoise formation called the "testudo" was a defensive measure in which a formation of men interlocked their shields above their heads and along the sides giving the unit the same kind of protection that a shell gives a tortoise. The formation was used for attacking fortifications such as city walls, and protected the men from the nasty thing the defenders shot down on them.The Roman army tortoise formation called the "testudo" was a defensive measure in which a formation of men interlocked their shields above their heads and along the sides giving the unit the same kind of protection that a shell gives a tortoise. The formation was used for attacking fortifications such as city walls, and protected the men from the nasty thing the defenders shot down on them.


How did Roman soldiers protect themselves from arrows?

Roman soldiers protected themselves from arrows by locking shields with the people next to them (first row of soldiers). Then, the row behind them locked shields and held them over the heads of the first row. The third row back locked shields and held them straight up, forming a nearly impenetrable wall. This formation was called the Tortoise, because of the likeness to a tortoise's shell.

Related Questions

Where did the roman formation testudo get its name from?

The Roman army formation called testudo got its name from the tortoise. The word "testudo" in Latin means tortoise. The formation was of interlocking shields both overhead and along the sides, protecting the men beneath as the shell of a tortoise protects the body of the animal.The Roman army formation called testudo got its name from the tortoise. The word "testudo" in Latin means tortoise. The formation was of interlocking shields both overhead and along the sides, protecting the men beneath as the shell of a tortoise protects the body of the animal.The Roman army formation called testudo got its name from the tortoise. The word "testudo" in Latin means tortoise. The formation was of interlocking shields both overhead and along the sides, protecting the men beneath as the shell of a tortoise protects the body of the animal.The Roman army formation called testudo got its name from the tortoise. The word "testudo" in Latin means tortoise. The formation was of interlocking shields both overhead and along the sides, protecting the men beneath as the shell of a tortoise protects the body of the animal.The Roman army formation called testudo got its name from the tortoise. The word "testudo" in Latin means tortoise. The formation was of interlocking shields both overhead and along the sides, protecting the men beneath as the shell of a tortoise protects the body of the animal.The Roman army formation called testudo got its name from the tortoise. The word "testudo" in Latin means tortoise. The formation was of interlocking shields both overhead and along the sides, protecting the men beneath as the shell of a tortoise protects the body of the animal.The Roman army formation called testudo got its name from the tortoise. The word "testudo" in Latin means tortoise. The formation was of interlocking shields both overhead and along the sides, protecting the men beneath as the shell of a tortoise protects the body of the animal.The Roman army formation called testudo got its name from the tortoise. The word "testudo" in Latin means tortoise. The formation was of interlocking shields both overhead and along the sides, protecting the men beneath as the shell of a tortoise protects the body of the animal.The Roman army formation called testudo got its name from the tortoise. The word "testudo" in Latin means tortoise. The formation was of interlocking shields both overhead and along the sides, protecting the men beneath as the shell of a tortoise protects the body of the animal.


What is testudo in ancient Rome?

Testudo, literally means tortoise. In the Roman army it was a form of defense for attackers. The soldiers held their shields above their heads and along the sides for the formation. The shields were interlocked. This tactic protected the attaching force from missiles shot from walls and from the sides.


What is a Roman testudo?

Literally, testudo, is the Latin word for tortoise. The Roman military had a defensive manoeuvre in which they interlocked their shields over their heads and along the sides of a unit. This enabled them to move forward in a siege situation without getting hurt from any nasty things the enemy might hurl down on them. It was called testudo because the shields protected them like the shell protects the tortoise.


Why was the roman shield called a scutum?

The Roman shield was called a "scutum" because it was a distinctive type of shield used by Roman legions, characterized by its large, rectangular shape and curved design. The term "scutum" is derived from Latin, reflecting the shield's importance in Roman military tactics and formations, particularly the testudo or tortoise formation. Its design provided excellent protection for soldiers while allowing for effective combat and maneuverability.


Why was the tortoise formation the Romans use so effective?

The tortoise formation was used in siege situations and protected the men under its rows of interlocking shields while they moved up against an enemy's wall. It was so effective because of the sturdiness of the roman shields. It is said that a chariot could be driven over the top of the testudo/tortoise.The tortoise formation was used in siege situations and protected the men under its rows of interlocking shields while they moved up against an enemy's wall. It was so effective because of the sturdiness of the roman shields. It is said that a chariot could be driven over the top of the testudo/tortoise.The tortoise formation was used in siege situations and protected the men under its rows of interlocking shields while they moved up against an enemy's wall. It was so effective because of the sturdiness of the roman shields. It is said that a chariot could be driven over the top of the testudo/tortoise.The tortoise formation was used in siege situations and protected the men under its rows of interlocking shields while they moved up against an enemy's wall. It was so effective because of the sturdiness of the roman shields. It is said that a chariot could be driven over the top of the testudo/tortoise.The tortoise formation was used in siege situations and protected the men under its rows of interlocking shields while they moved up against an enemy's wall. It was so effective because of the sturdiness of the roman shields. It is said that a chariot could be driven over the top of the testudo/tortoise.The tortoise formation was used in siege situations and protected the men under its rows of interlocking shields while they moved up against an enemy's wall. It was so effective because of the sturdiness of the roman shields. It is said that a chariot could be driven over the top of the testudo/tortoise.The tortoise formation was used in siege situations and protected the men under its rows of interlocking shields while they moved up against an enemy's wall. It was so effective because of the sturdiness of the roman shields. It is said that a chariot could be driven over the top of the testudo/tortoise.The tortoise formation was used in siege situations and protected the men under its rows of interlocking shields while they moved up against an enemy's wall. It was so effective because of the sturdiness of the roman shields. It is said that a chariot could be driven over the top of the testudo/tortoise.The tortoise formation was used in siege situations and protected the men under its rows of interlocking shields while they moved up against an enemy's wall. It was so effective because of the sturdiness of the roman shields. It is said that a chariot could be driven over the top of the testudo/tortoise.


What is the roman army tortiose formation and what is used for?

The Roman army tortoise formation called the "testudo" was a defensive measure in which a formation of men interlocked their shields above their heads and along the sides giving the unit the same kind of protection that a shell gives a tortoise. The formation was used for attacking fortifications such as city walls, and protected the men from the nasty thing the defenders shot down on them.The Roman army tortoise formation called the "testudo" was a defensive measure in which a formation of men interlocked their shields above their heads and along the sides giving the unit the same kind of protection that a shell gives a tortoise. The formation was used for attacking fortifications such as city walls, and protected the men from the nasty thing the defenders shot down on them.The Roman army tortoise formation called the "testudo" was a defensive measure in which a formation of men interlocked their shields above their heads and along the sides giving the unit the same kind of protection that a shell gives a tortoise. The formation was used for attacking fortifications such as city walls, and protected the men from the nasty thing the defenders shot down on them.The Roman army tortoise formation called the "testudo" was a defensive measure in which a formation of men interlocked their shields above their heads and along the sides giving the unit the same kind of protection that a shell gives a tortoise. The formation was used for attacking fortifications such as city walls, and protected the men from the nasty thing the defenders shot down on them.The Roman army tortoise formation called the "testudo" was a defensive measure in which a formation of men interlocked their shields above their heads and along the sides giving the unit the same kind of protection that a shell gives a tortoise. The formation was used for attacking fortifications such as city walls, and protected the men from the nasty thing the defenders shot down on them.The Roman army tortoise formation called the "testudo" was a defensive measure in which a formation of men interlocked their shields above their heads and along the sides giving the unit the same kind of protection that a shell gives a tortoise. The formation was used for attacking fortifications such as city walls, and protected the men from the nasty thing the defenders shot down on them.The Roman army tortoise formation called the "testudo" was a defensive measure in which a formation of men interlocked their shields above their heads and along the sides giving the unit the same kind of protection that a shell gives a tortoise. The formation was used for attacking fortifications such as city walls, and protected the men from the nasty thing the defenders shot down on them.The Roman army tortoise formation called the "testudo" was a defensive measure in which a formation of men interlocked their shields above their heads and along the sides giving the unit the same kind of protection that a shell gives a tortoise. The formation was used for attacking fortifications such as city walls, and protected the men from the nasty thing the defenders shot down on them.The Roman army tortoise formation called the "testudo" was a defensive measure in which a formation of men interlocked their shields above their heads and along the sides giving the unit the same kind of protection that a shell gives a tortoise. The formation was used for attacking fortifications such as city walls, and protected the men from the nasty thing the defenders shot down on them.


How did Roman soldiers protect themselves from arrows?

Roman soldiers protected themselves from arrows by locking shields with the people next to them (first row of soldiers). Then, the row behind them locked shields and held them over the heads of the first row. The third row back locked shields and held them straight up, forming a nearly impenetrable wall. This formation was called the Tortoise, because of the likeness to a tortoise's shell.


What name was given to the Roman legion's shield formation used mainly against fortified positions?

Testudo


What did the Romans use in the battles?

They used spears to fight against carthage, in punic war one however, they used boats to ram with several slaves that rowed down the bottom. In the second Punic war, the Romans came with spears but the Carthgainians had elephants so the Romans created a wild goose chase.


What did the soldiers?

What do the Roman Soldiers eat?


Why did Roman have soldiers?

By definition, fighting is what soldiers do.


Who is the roman soldier that was paid to fight?

All Roman soldiers were paid. They were professional soldiers.