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.Germanic tribes
The Cherusci
The Germanic folk »Cherusci« settled between the rivers Weser and Elbe through to the Harz range.
The Cherusci appeared for the first time in Roman history books when Caesar mentioned them in his description of the Gallic War. Descriptions from Roman historians show that some noble families of high social class existed. Segimer and Segester originated from these families. In the Latin literature, they were referred to as »principes«, prince or leader. It seemed to the Romans as if hegemonial conflicts amongst the leading families of the Cherusci took place regularly. Apparently Arminius was a victim of these internal conflicts and was murdered in 19 AD by relatives.
The Cherusci were subdued several times by Drusus (12 and 19 BC) and Tiberius (4 AD). Consequently, the Romans obviously believed that there was no apparent danger threatening them. In addition to that, the Cherusci had influential men, e.g. their leader Segester, who were favourable to the Romans and who cooperated with them. In Augustan times, a Cheruscan combat unit lead by Arminius was part of the Roman Army. The Emperor August had Germanic body guards - up until Varus' defeat.
During the rebellion against the Romans, which was led by Arminius, the Cherusci fought together with their Germanic neighbours: The Bructeri, the Marsi and the Chatti. The Cherusci unsuccessfully tried several times to contract an alliance with the powerful Marcomanni who settled further south. The latter had a loyal or neutral attitude towards the Romans.
Ancient news from the Cherusci:
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