Testudo (model)

Introduction

The term Testudo was given generally to protective shelters under which Legionaries could approach the walls of a besieged fortification to deploy a Battering Ram or a Musculus (small mouse) as they mine under the foundations or to provide cover as Legionaries filled ditches etc. to enable a Turris to cross over. (Note: the Roman writer Vegetius in the 4th Century suggested also that the battering ram looked much like a tortoise’s head coming out of its shell).

Testudo was a heavier version of the Vinea to provide protection against heavier projectiles. Too heavy to be carried into position, they would be mounted on wheels or pushed over rollers. They looked a bit like the Cat from the Middle Ages.

Making a Testudo

A model Testudo can be made using Stripwood Technology techniques with card and 8mm x 8mm square timber. Start by making 5 identical basic flat frames, each 210mm long and 100mm high :

• Draw the frame full-size on centimetre squared paper
• Hold strips of timber in a small Clamp-on Vice and cut to length using a Junior Hacksaw.
• Assemble the strips together by placing them over the drawing
• Glue 30mm x 30mm triangles of medium thickness card over each join as shown
• Turn the frame over and add card triangles to the opposite side
• Assemble the frames together and glue with P.V.A. glue
• Add a 210mm long strip of wood as a ridge
• Search for suitable textures using the internet (e.g. search for 'woven twigs' using Google Images) and print-out on to thin card.
• Cut card rectangles to cover roof panels (and sides if required) then glue in place.
• Alternatively add card and paint to simulate woven twigs or layers of animal skins.

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Activity: Find out about Roman Siege Equipment (e.g. Vinea, Pluteus, Mantelet, Testudo (model), Musculus, Helepolis, Turris, Corvus, Ballista (aka Scorpion), Onager, Aries (Battering Ram) and construct a working model or models using Stripwood Technology.

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