History of the Varus Battle

The Romans had imagined something else...

... when they set off in Germania, now pacified to a great extent, in the autumn of 9 AD in order to return to the comforts of their hibernal camp near the Rhine river. As the weather became colder some of them may already have dreamed of relaxing in the thermal baths and being in cosy rooms with under floor central heating. - One thing after another:

In the last two decades BC the Romans have entered step by step into Germania. At first, many indigenous tribes had defended themselves but were consequently suppressed. Others concluded peace treaties and enjoyed the achievements of the Roman culture, one says...

Since 7 AD Germania had a »proper« governor, just like any other regular province of the Roman Empire. His name was Publius Quintilius Varus and he was a much respected man in the capitol Rome and last but not least, he was experienced: A few years earlier, he had already been a governor of the rich province of Syria. Violent riots arose after King Herod’s death – who had been the King of Palestine. Varus brought the province under control, punished the rebels and re-established the structures of power. He surely was the right man for Germania where the Romans occasionally encountered some resistance. Though evil tongues said that above all he personally enriched himself in Syria. But he who has success is also the object of envy…

In the past years Varus had begun to introduce the Roman jurisdiction to Germania. He travelled around and held court days regularly. The local tribes seemed to become accustomed to this slowly and many responded to this offer gladly. Not quite so popular was the topic “taxes”. Just like any other province, Germania was liable to tax, too. Varus did his best to put this into action. In doing so however, incomprehension and sometimes even hatred struck against him. However, resistance was completely futile: For the subdued provinces, the duty was obligatory and the necessity of taxes was clear to even every child in Rome …

After a mainly unspectacular year - with only a few skirmishes here and little grumbling of the local people there - Varus thought he had completed his duty in Germania for this year. He and his followers started to make their way back to the river Rhine. The route was familiar; until now no particular incidents. However, Segestes, who had a good reputation and was well disposed by the Romans, visited Varus in the evening. He obviously was worried and tried to warn Varus of an imminent attack. However, when Varus heard who he was cautioned against, he shook his head and rejected the warning: He knew Arminius and his father Segimer, both noble Cherusci and in possession of Roman citizenship, for a long time. Every now and then, they dined together and he had never heard complaints about Arminius’ performance as an officer in the Roman Army, neither did he himself have a reason to complain. After all, Arminius had grown up and was educated in Rome. His military career was promising. He had even been accepted to the Roman equestrian class. Why should he, Varus, be endangered by this man who had grown up with Roman values and within the Roman culture? That had to be a misunderstanding or even slander. The route southwards could be continued confidently...

In the course of the next day, Varus received a message in which a Germanic people in difficulties asked for help not far away from the travelling route. Varus quickly calculated the detour, decided that it was acceptable and took the route into unknown territory in order to assist the people seeking help. Although moving forward through the rough terrain was difficult - trees had to be cut down and smaller obstacles had to be overcome - all in all, they got on rather well …

The attack out of the undergrowth came unexpectedly. The Germanic soldiers attacked with all their might. The resistance of the Romans was hindered by the terrain. It was impossible to organise a battle formation. In addition, the impedimenta with its civilians, wagons, pack animals and the transportation carts had to be protected. Therefore, the loss and the casualties were high. In the evening, they entrenched themselves behind a carefully set up camp. They discussed their options and decided to leave unnecessary ballast behind, especially the transportation carts. They set everything on fire so it would not fall into the hands of the enemy…

The second day was no better for the Roman side despite strategic considerations. In addition, the weather was persistently bad. As the paths became sodden and the approaching enemies continued their incalculable attacks, the Romans suffered heavier losses than before. An orderly camp for the night was impossible. The Romans tried to defend themselves as good as possible. - Were these the forces that had also attacked the Germanic people who had sent for help? Could the Romans, if they pushed forward, join the Germanic people who had sent for help and were favourable towards Rome? And where was Arminius, who had left two days earlier to call on allies for help?

The next day brought about the decision. The Romans were in a desolate condition, many were injured, clothes were soaked from the rain, and the shields were heavy from the absorbed water. The Germanic warriors, whose knowledge of the terrain and their light weapons gave them an advantage, were able to overpower the remaining Romans and kill many of them. When Varus realised the hopelessness of the situation he committed suicide. Thereby the survivors lost courage even more and many tried to flee, while others surrendered to the enemy or committed suicide, too.

Florus describes the Germanic brutality, the atrocities inflicted upon the defeated Romans. A holy Germanic grove is referred to the site of the event where the Roman officers were tortured and slayed at the altars. In the end, three legions, three squadrons of cavalry (alae) and six cohorts of auxiliary troops as well as the impedimenta of slaves, women and children were annihilated. Two Roman aquilas were lost to the enemies. The standard bearer broke off the third aquila and hid it underneath his clothes in order to protect it from looting. Where his flight ended is not known; his survival is unlikely.

Augustus who received Varus’ disembodied head from the Germanic tribes mourned for the dead and prepared an honourable burial for his governor’s head. He never used the numbers of the perished legions - 17, 18 and 19 - again. The plans of Germanias conquest east of the Rhine were given up soon after. The Romans retreated to the border river Rhine.

Roman historians like Sueton put the catastrophe down to “imprudence” and “carelessness”. But who can decide this from this distance?