Germanic tribes

Arminius

Arminius was born around 17 BC. His father was the Cheruscan leader Segimerus. He came to Rome at an early age, where he was educated and where he received military training. From 4 to 6 AD he held the rank of a Tribune and led the Cherusci unit during Tiberius’ military campaign in Germania. As an award of merit, he attained Roman citizenship and became a Roman equestrian.

His pro-Roman attitude seemed to have changed when Publius Quintilius Varus was appointed as governor. The actual reason is unknown. The Roman historians held Varus responsible for this, whose way of introducing Roman jurisdiction and tax laws apparently was quite brutal. 

Arminius, not only a well trained (Roman) soldier, but to all appearances also a charismatic leader, gathered like-minded Cherusci and other Germanic people around him. In this he was supported by his father. Arminius, his father and the Roman governor knew each other very well. Varus felt confident of their loyalty. That is why Varus rejected the warning of the Cheruscan »princeps« Segestes on the eve of the uprising.

The planned uprising of Cheruscan soldiers in the Romans’ service, supported by other Germanics, could progress: In the course of only three days, Arminius and his allies succeeded in destroying three Roman legions, three cavalry detachments, six cohorts as well as the Roman Army’s impedimenta. Varus committed suicide after this defeat. His head was subsequently cut off and Arminius sent it to Marbod, the leader of the Marcomanni. This probably was an offer to join his campaign against the Roman occupying power. Marbod however continued to be loyal to the Romans and sent Varus’ disembodied head to the Roman Emperor Augustus.

Arminius had married Thusnelda, the daughter of the Cheruscan »princeps« Segestes, against her father’s will. When Segestes managed to recapture his pregnant daughter, the conflict between him and Arminius escalated. Segestes also condemned Arminius’ actions against the Romans. Besieged in his stronghold by Arminius, Segestes appealed for help to Germanicus. The Roman accepted his request, relieved him and took both Segestes and his resisting daughter to Rome. The consequence was Arminius’ hard-fought struggle against Germanicus and his legate Caecina Severus in 15 and 16 AD. Arminius was supported by his uncle Inguiomerus.

However, Arminius did not achieve any decisive victories anymore. Also, he never saw his wife and son again. Germanicus was relieved from office in 17 AD. At the same time Arminius‘ wife Thusnelda and their son Thumelicus were paraded through Rome in a victory march to honour Germanicus’ triumph. In that year the Cheruscan Arminius attacked the Marcomanni who were governed by their leader Marbod. It is believed that Arminius died in 19 or 21 AD, reportedly murdered by his own relatives

Ancient news from Arminius

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