1. ROMAN ARMY FORMATIONS BY FINLEY KELLETT CLASS 4

2. D During the school holiday I visited Hadrian’s Wall. There I learnt how to be a Roman Solider and about Formations.

3. There are several types of formation, that the Roman Army used. I will be talking about 2 of the most common formations used. The Tortoise The Wedge

5. TORTOISE One of the most famous formations was the Tortoise (Testudo). Testudo is the Latin word for Tortoise. The Soldiers in front and sides interlocked their shields. The soldiers in the back lines placed their shields over the heads to form a protective ‘shell’ over the top of the men. The soldiers could march up to the fort in the Testudo formation and not one of them would get hurt.

6. The shields fitted so closely together that they formed one unbroken surface, without any gaps between them. It has been said that it was so strong a formation, that men could walk upon them, and even horses and chariots could be driven on them.

7. THE WEDGE The wedge was used to ‘crack open’ enemy lines. Legionaries formed up in a triangle, the front ‘tip’ being one man and charged towards enemy lines with their ‘gladius’ out.

9. THE GLADIUS The short legionary gladius was useful, held low and used as a thrusting weapon, it was easier and more effective than longer swords.