The Empire
Arminius
He led tribes who destroyed three Roman legions in a forest.
Years. About 18 BC to AD 21
Not from the city of Rome
We are not sure. His birth year is about 18 or 17 BC. The exact battlefield spot was argued for centuries. A site at Kalkriese is the best match so far.
Three short facts
- 1He had served in the Roman army and knew its ways.
- 2The battle was in the Teutoburg Forest in AD 9.
- 3He was not a Roman. He fought to keep Rome out.
The story
Arminius united German tribes with a clever trap.
The Roman general Varus trusted him.
The legions were wiped out on a muddy march.
Augustus was said to cry out for the lost army.