Brainiac History Abuse

Brainiacs recreate the Roman Testudo  (or tortoise) battle formation, only (typically for this wacky series) using ironing boards. Advancing into a hail of fruit, this unusual testudo proved very resilient and demonstrated how Roman soldiers (with a difference) could survive enemy bombardment in battle.  No stranger to teaching extras how to recreate historical battle formations, historian and series Historical Consultant Howard Giles quickly trained up the volunteers in their role.

Howard also supplied the series with ideas and scripting, and assisted with on set co-ordination on Testudo, most ridiculous historical military marches and scariest war cries.

Photo: Howard Giles