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Roman legionaries attacking a fort in the testudo
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Roman legionaries attacking a fort in the testudo
Roman legionaries attacking a fort in the testudo formation, with their shields over their heads.. Handcolored copperplate engraving from Robert von Spalarts Historical Picture of the Costumes of the Principal People of Antiquity and of the Middle Ages (1796)
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Media ID 14220136
© Florilegius / Mary Evans
Formation Fort Legionaries Principal Shields Spalart Testudo Tortoise
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this handcolored copperplate engraving from Robert von Spalarts "Historical Picture of the Costumes of the Principal People of Antiquity and of the Middle Ages," we witness a pivotal moment in Roman military history as legionaries in the testudo formation attack an enemy fort. The testudo, or "tortoise" formation, was a defensive tactic used by the Romans to protect their soldiers from arrows and other projectiles. In this formation, each soldier held his shield over his head, creating a protective wall for the soldiers behind him. The Roman legionaries, dressed in their iconic armor and carrying their scuta shields and gladii swords, charge forward against the fortified walls of the enemy stronghold. The engraving captures the intensity and determination of the Roman soldiers as they advance, with their shields forming a tight, impenetrable barrier against the arrows and javelins raining down from the fort's defenders. The scene is a testament to the military prowess and strategic ingenuity of the Roman legions, who were renowned for their disciplined formations and effective use of tactical maneuvers. This image offers a unique glimpse into the past, providing us with a vivid and intriguing portrait of ancient Roman warfare. Robert von Spalart, a prominent artist and historian, created this engraving in 1796 as part of a larger work documenting the costumes and customs of various historical periods. The meticulous attention to detail in the engraving, from the intricate patterns on the Roman shields to the individual expressions on the soldiers' faces, adds to its historical significance and makes it an invaluable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of ancient history.
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