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A question for the experts... - Printable Version

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A question for the experts... - NightHunter24 - 07-18-2006

Hi there,

I was the other day at Chinese History Forum and they were discussing the topic of Roman shield formations. I am familiar with the variation of the TESTVDO. Now they were actually talking about a shield wall formation. Did the Romans have a name for this?...and...what were the different shield formations that the Romans used? Thanks in advanced.


Smile

Re: A question for the experts... - FAVENTIANVS - 07-18-2006

I'm not an expert, but AFAIK:

Fulcum (foulkon) = anti cavalry spiked barrier http://www.fectio.org.uk/shows/2005archeonlitus8.jpg

Testudo= tortoise [Image: h3-gp-29h1f-3.jpg]

Cuneus = wedge [Image: romanj.jpg]

Aciem = single battle line [Image: roman_soldiers.jpg]

Re: A question for the experts... - NightHunter24 - 07-18-2006

Ave et gratias Faventiano!

Btw, nice pic with the FVLCVM formation...

Re: A question for the experts... - FAVENTIANVS - 07-18-2006

Thanks! I'm in there!! Big Grin

Re: A question for the experts... - MARCvSVIBIvSMAvRINvS - 07-19-2006

same here............ in the CvNEvS hehehehe

M.VIB.M.

Re: A question for the experts... - FAVENTIANVS - 07-19-2006

Quote:same here............ in the CvNEvS hehehehe

M.VIB.M.
With the X Gemina?

Re: A question for the experts... - MARCvSVIBIvSMAvRINvS - 07-20-2006

The notorious X togetha with the guard......... yessssssssssssssssss

long time ago.......... hehehe but was a laugh!

M.VIB.M.

Re: A question for the experts... - Robert Vermaat - 07-22-2006

Actually, both 'testudo' and 'fulcum' are words that are used for more than one formation. The totally closed formations used in siege warfare, but also the 'shield wall' with the first 3 (or 4) lines closing shields, are referred to as testudo. same with the fulcum, with the exception though that I never heard of the fulcum as referring to the 'tortoise on the move'.

Re: A question for the experts... - NightHunter24 - 07-26-2006

Quote:Actually, both 'testudo' and 'fulcum' are words that are used for more than one formation. The totally closed formations used in siege warfare, but also the 'shield wall' with the first 3 (or 4) lines closing shields, are referred to as testudo. same with the fulcum, with the exception though that I never heard of the fulcum as referring to the 'tortoise on the move'.

Ave Vortigern!

Nice piece of info, just what I thought. May I quote you for the folks CHF? I'll provide a link to this thread...if it's OK.

Re: A question for the experts... - Robert Vermaat - 07-28-2006

Quote:Ave Vortigern!
Nice piece of info, just what I thought. May I quote you for the folks CHF? I'll provide a link to this thread...if it's OK.

Be my guest!!

Re: A question for the experts... - NightHunter24 - 07-29-2006

Hey thanks a million Vortigern! Smile

Now, was there a 'preferred method' of shield wall formation by the Romans or did they employ according to circumstances OR did this change as Roman civization went thru its changes? It's kind of a dumb question but there is always a bread and butter technique to every war band...so I'm just curious.