institution
testudo
tortoise
The 'tortoise': a formation in which soldiers lock shields overhead and around to advance under missile fire against a wall or gate.
Reading notes
- De Bello Civili §2.2.4 tortoise
A timber shed ('tortoise') wheeled forward to shelter men leveling ground under the walls.
- De Bello Gallico §2.6.2 tortoise
The testudo or 'tortoise': attackers lock shields overhead and around to advance under missiles against a wall or gate.