Testudo or Turtle Formation

The turtle formation is one of the most well known roman formations. its function was very cleaver like most things the romans invented. it was designed as a way to by past the archers of an army, and then explode into a full blown head on attack. while this may seem odd, the romans were exceptional at fighting at close range and the Testudo was essential for them to achieve their close combat. while there are countless records of this formation, an obvious one was written by: Plutarch who describes this formation as used by Mark Antony during his invasion of Parthia in 36 BC:

"Then the shield-bearers wheeled round and enclosed the light-armed troops

within their ranks, dropped down to one knee, and held their shields out as a defensive barrier. The men behind them held their shields over the heads of the first rank, while the third rank did the same for the second rank. The resulting shape, which is a remarkable sight, looks very like a roof, and is the surest protection against arrows, which just glance off it."

the Turtle formation of today would most likely be compared to a tank which was designed in order to penetrate the range of an enemy and get close in.