A Question for the Historians

[Angadil]

It seems it is by no means impossible to form a testudo with oval shields. Perhaps, you just need to huddle closer. You might want to check this pic (and a few ohers) in Fectio's re-enactment site.

And here is a pdf of the scholarly paper on the formation that the re-enactors were replicating. The Internet is indeed, as Ranika says, full of bs., but now and then you do find useful stuff.

[jerby]

well. i didn't say impossible..
i just tought rectangular shield woudl give more covering (less gaps)

[Angadil]

well. i didn't say impossible..
i just tought rectangular shield woudl give more covering (less gaps)

Possibly. It still seems that both Gauls and Late Roman/Byzantine generals agreed that the added protection was still worth the trouble to form into a testudo-like thing.

[the_handsome_viking]

i really hope there is a celtic unit in the game that can form this celtic testudo.

id also love to see a unit that is capable of rolling under enemy spears and stabbing the men that carry them, like what ranika mentioned.