Title: 3 Important Roman Military Tactics | History Hit
Headings: 3 Important Roman Military Tactics
3 Important Roman Military Tactics
Colin Ricketts
1. The testudo
2. The triple line
3. The wedge
Watch and Listen
The Emperor Justinian
The Julio-Claudians

Content: Gaius Marius’s Marian Reforms of 107 BC changed the army from an armed upper class into a professional body through which every Roman could aspire to social advancement and even riches. Bust of Gaius Marius whose military reforms contributed to the remarkable success of the Roman armies. The Roman legionary’s loyalty to and trust of military structures was enormous. Loyal men follow orders. Rome’s military was supremely adaptable, quickly changing to the challenge in front of it, but here are three tactics that stood the test of time. 1. The testudo
It’s easy to see where the “tortoise” formation got its name. Their uniquely large scuta, as the Romans’ shields were called, allowed them to present a 360-degree wall of wood to opponents. Dan finds out what's going on with recent excavations at Vindolanda, one of the largest Roman forts near Hadrian's Wall. All manner of discoveries have been made, including the largest collection of Roman footwear found anywhere in the world.