A width of 1.2 metres allowed two legionaries to advance beside one another on a flat surface. A third could possibly fit within a tightly grouped formation. A naval version of the testudo used coordinated shields to protect men crossing the bridge. Covering the exposed right side required some soldiers to hold shields on that side, whether they were left-handed or prepared to change their usual arrangement.
Notable Point · 53:39-55:22
Shield protection on the corvus crossing
The corvus could carry two legionaries abreast, with a possible third man and coordinated shields protecting the crossing.