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Roman Testudo / Sieges
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Roman Testudo / Sieges
The TESTUDO (tortoise), a Roman siege technique using overlapping shields, giving protection from arrows and boiling oil, and serving as a platform to raise attackers
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Media ID 606824
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10057126
Arrows Attackers Boiling Giving Overlapping Platform Protection Raise Serving Siege Sieges Technique Testudo Tortoise
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image transport us back in time to the ancient Roman era, showcasing the intricate and effective military tactic known as the Testudo formation, or the "tortoise" as it was called by the Romans. The Testudo was a shielding technique used during sieges to protect soldiers from arrows and projectiles, including boiling oil, thrown by the defenders. In this scene, Roman legionaries are seen forming a tight protective square, each man holding his shield above his head and interlocking it with the shield of the soldier in front, creating a wall of overlapping shields. The soldiers in the rear rows lift their shields to create a platform for their comrades in the front to stand on, allowing them to attack the enemy walls with greater height and reach. The Testudo formation was a crucial element in Roman siege warfare, providing both protection and mobility. The interlocking shields formed a barrier that was difficult for arrows and other projectiles to penetrate, while the raised platform enabled the attackers to advance closer to the walls and engage in hand-to-hand combat. This historical photograph, from the extensive collection of Mary Evans Picture Library, offers a unique glimpse into the past, allowing us to visualize the bravery and ingenuity of the Roman soldiers as they executed this tactic in the heat of battle. The Testudo formation remains a fascinating example of the military innovations that shaped the course of history, and serves as a reminder of the strategic prowess of the ancient Roman army.
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