Testudo formation vs ballista?

What were the disadvantages of Testudo formation?

The primary drawback to the formation was that, because of its density, the men found it more difficult to fight in hand-to-hand combat and because the men were required to move in unison, speed was sacrificed.

How strong was a Testudo?

Caius Dion, in turn, mentions in “Roman history” that the testudo formation was so strong, tight and resilient that it was said to be able to withstand the weight of a horse walking on shields, and even a towed cart. The testudo’s endurance was supposedly so great that it could bear the weight horse or cart.

Did the Testudo protect the sides?

The Testudo was an effective formation used by the Romans to protect their attacking groups of Legionaries.

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