The years between 9 and 21 after the turn: The turning point in the Germanic consciousness and the role of Arminius’
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The years from 9 to 21 after the so-called turnaround mark a period of outstanding importance in the development of the Germanic people and in the emergence of his collective historical consciousness. It is an epoch in which Arminius, the Cheruscan prince, is at the center of events at both the military and political level. During these years completeprofound changes, the meaning of which goes far beyond the immediate events. They shape the German self-image, form the collective memory and lay the foundation for the later national myth. In this context, it is important to distinguish between pure facts and their importance for developing a political consciousness. factsare the dates that come from history – the battles, the alliances, the rulers and their deeds. But the real understanding only arises through the interpretation and classification of these facts, through the interpretation of their importance for the collective self-image. This consciousness grows like a plant that draws its vital nutrients out of the ground – the historicalSources, the oral traditions, the legends and the myths. It is an inner force that fills the people with identity, pride and self-confidence.
The term “fanted”: A cultural constant
Etymologically speaking, “pious” means something like “what comes to you” or “what pious”. It is an old way of expression that reflects the idea of law and equity. In the deep layers of culture and collective consciousness, this word is closely linked to the feeling that something is just, that it is entitled to one. Arminius and the deeds that were with himconnected, have awakened this feeling of being “pious” again and again in the Germans. They were perceived as just and necessary, which gave them a deep emotional attachment to him. That is why Arminius has found a permanent place in cultural memory, comparable to the legendary heroes of the German world of legends, the dragon slayers Siegfried and Saint George.These figures stand for courage, strength, protection and the fight against evil, and they embody values that are deeply rooted in the collective self-image. Arminius became a symbol of oppression, defense of freedom and national self-determination. His character is a cultural constant that is always reinterpreted and included in the mythwas embedded.
Young Arminius: Between Roman culture and Germanic identity
The time Arminius intervened in history probably lies between the years 1 and 4 AD. Back when he was about seventeen, he must have come into contact with his father Segimer, a respected Cherusque prince, and possibly also with his brother Flavus, known as “The Blonde”, and the Roman troops. This encounter was not a coincidence, butPart of a strategically planned exchange that reflected the complex power structures and political interdependencies between the Germans and the Romans. During this time, the Roman auxiliary units, the so-called Auxilia, became increasingly important. They were an innovation of Emperor Augustus and contributed significantly to the stabilization and expansion of the Roman Empire. thisTroops, usually organized in units of one hundred to five hundred men, were not Roman citizens, but recruits from the provincial peoples who lived in the border regions. This meant they came from the areas around Germania, Gaul, Hispania and other provinces under Roman control. The Auxilia gradually formed the core of Roman cavalryand the light foot troops. They were highly valued because they were considered particularly reliable – especially because they were recruited from their own peoples who preserved their culture and loyalties. These troops were often deployed after lost wars or forced “pacifications”. It is very likely that the Cheruscan auxiliary troops who later opposeThe Romans fought, which were created in this context: after previous fights, in which the Germans had already gained their first experience in conflict with the Romans.
Auxiliary troops: Volunteering or humiliation?
The representation of Germanic troops for the Romans was by no means a humiliation. It was indeed an honor for those involved, especially the leaders. These men, mostly members of the highest Germanic families, wanted to prove their ability to war, demonstrate their hatchet and victory – the sign of their strength. Taking an oath, similar to thatRoman legionnaires, was an act of loyalty and trust. But unlike the Romans, they did not swear by the state, but to their respective leaders. This bond was personal, and the Germanic auxiliary troops were considered particularly reliable. They knew that when it came to it, they were at the service of a leader who received their loyalty. This led toThese troops, similar to the bodyguards of the Roman emperors, had a special meaning.
Community spirit versus individual loyalty: The internal dynamics
However, there was never any talk of a real community awareness in the Germanic main area. The Germanic tribes were rather loose bandages in which personal loyalty to a leader was in the foreground. Even later, when Arminius called against the Romans, Germans continued to fight on the part of their respective followers and followed their oath or their loyalty. solo heroes,who fought for their individual honor or their families were the rule. There was only one – albeit very important – exception. At a crucial moment, which we will look at more closely, a special bond was shown, which deviated from the usual loyalty patterns. This event will play a central role in the later consideration.
Family Bonds and Roman Influence in the Cherusker-Gauen
To Arminius’ family: Segimer and his sons apparently belonged to the personal entourage of the Roman generals. Initially they were under the order of Tiberius, later from Varus. The Cheruscans had to assert themselves in the fight against the Roman troops, but Arminius himself received Roman citizenship before he was 25 and was knightedrecorded. This recognition shows that his military career was remarkable and his family was deeply rooted in the Roman power and social structures. It can be assumed that his father, Segimer and his brother Favus, also enjoyed similar honors and privileges in this context. Flavus, who later received numerous honors, should also be in theRoman hierarchy to have been integrated.
The willingness of the Germans to get involved in Rome
The Germanic leadership groups were apparently not only passively involved in the Roman system, but also actively showed interest in Roman culture. There were parties all over the provincial areas and in the Gauen, which were only superficially subjected, parties that were politely disposed. These groups were open to the achievements of Roman civilization andaspired to integrate into the Roman culture. Their leaders, mostly at the same time leaders in the respective districts and sometimes also relatives, adorned themselves with Roman citizenship, carried the toga and took part in Roman society. For those who were ready to fight for such honors in the past, the social advancement in the Romanstatus a big challenge.
The importance of Roman dignity and prestige hunting
This willingness to identify with the Roman system shows how strong the appeal of Roman culture was. Some Germans, Celts and members of other peoples struck to rise to the Roman nobility in order to increase their power and influence. This was a kind of prestige, comparable to the desire of German soldiers in the 20th century, the uniform of theto bear the winners – be it as an assistant, driver or waiter in Roman or later contexts. The Germanic elites, who opened up to Roman influence, often had their villas on the other side of the Rhine, in the Roman settlements. An example is the West Cheruscan Gaufürst Segestes, who allegedly owned a house in Cologne, later Colonia Agrippina. his sonSegimund even rose to the priesthood at the Temple of Augustus, an important cult place and state sanctuary of Emperor Divus Augustus and the Roman world. In the first century, Cologne was almost as Roman as Trier, which later received the nickname “Roma secunda” – the second Rome. Segimer’s brothers, including Segimer, and Arminius’ uncle, Inguiomar, were also well-known supportersROMS. These family associations and personal connections were an important factor for the political climate in the Cherusker-Gauen.
Political influence by families and strategic alliances
When Arminius went into service with his father and brother, who served under Roman field signs, the estate fit into the political and social image of Cheruscan society. It was a proven strategy back then to secure influence through cultural and military ties instead of just ruled by gun violence. Emperor Augustus, who then reigned for almost three decades, persecutedA policy of balance between military deterrence and cultural attractiveness. This policy aimed to consolidate Roman power through personalities such as Drusus, Tiberius and other leading figures. These men were both military leaders and political minds who kept their power in Gaul and on the Rhine with caution and measure. You understood yoursPower through targeted, military-necessary measures without giving the impression of excess.
Roman Doctrine: Strength and Control
The Roman military doctrine, based on strength, deterrence and control, was visibly implemented in these years. This resulted in brutal punitive actions against the Germans, in which women and children were not spared. A strict discipline also prevailed within the Roman troops, which was rigorously enforced in the threat of mutiny. The Roman leaders, Drusus andTiberius, in their foreign and domestic politics, were usually more moderate and smarter than they might seem at first glance.
The return to the great power: plans to conquer Germania
Despite all the Romans’ efforts to secure the borders, the danger grew. Germanic tribes, especially the Sugambres, Usipeters, Tenkterers, but also the Chats and Marses, repeatedly crossed the Rhine, looted the Roman border areas and threatened the stability of the Roman Empire. Therefore, in 12 BC, an old plan was reactivated: theComplete submission of the Germanic area between the Rhine and Elbe, the so-called Germania Magna. The aim was to permanently integrate the free Germanic landscape into the sphere of influence of Rome in order to secure the borders and to strengthen control.
Causes and preliminary phases: Why the Germans rebelled against Rome
In order to understand the causes of the later, ambiguous decisions of the Germans, we must consider the preliminary phase of this development. The question of trust is central here. The Roman scholar Strabo once claimed that the best state art was distrust. He thought that those who became most familiar, like the Cheruscans and their subordinates, would have the Romansinflicted the greatest damage. But this thesis is too simple: Trust is justified only if it is deserved. The Germans, who provided the Romans with auxiliary troops, did not do so out of naivety, but out of strategic calculations. They took the opportunity to safeguard their own interests, secure their power and their position towards the Roman occupiersroman policy, which was based on the preservation of a vast military and administrative system, was primarily aimed at securing its privileges.
Roman Empire: Control by Infrastructure and Power
As early as 12 BC, the Germanic territories began to be controlled by a series of military and infrastructural measures. In Belgium, the Romans stationed eight legions, in Xanten in the “Castra Vetera” camp two, in Cologne also two. Fortified bridgeheads were built at the most important points along the Rhine, including the well-known facilities in Mainz, Xantenand Cologne.
An important project was the “Fossa Drusi”, an extensive canal system built between the Rhine and the North Sea. It enabled faster shipping traffic and facilitated the movement of troops to the north. Within just three years (12-9 BC), these massive construction projects were carried out, involving thousands of Roman soldiers, slaves and presumably alsoUnfreemen from the surrounding peoples were in action.
If one had tried to force the free Teutons to build, war would probably have broken out immediately – just think of the reluctance of German soldiers to dig trenches 2000 years later. Instead, the Germans let the Romans build in peace, which lasted only a short time, because the dangercontinued to grow over the years.
Campaigns and military clashes
Between 12 and 10 BC Drusus led several campaigns against the Germanic tribes of the Brukterer and Chauken on the Ems. The Germans confronted the Roman troops with boats on the river. Particularly decisive was the crossing of the lip, in which the Romans surprisingly built a bridge that made the fight difficult for the Germans.
The Germans, including the Sugambrer,Tenkterer, Brukterer and Cherusker could barely hold their own against the superiority of the Roman troops. They were kept in check by the use of surprising tactics, such as the sudden crossing of the lip, as well as by the weakness of the Roman troops in certain situations.
The growing threat and German self-assertion
Over time, the danger to German freedom became more and more obvious. The Romans incessantly built castles and roads to secure their borders and consolidate control. But the Germans were by no means prepared to surrender without a fight. They were proud, belligerent and combative – and they continued to fight, both among themselves and against the RomanConqueror.
Although the tribal aristocratic families were often linked by marriages even then, the political unity of the Germans remained fragile. Internal competition, the desire for self-assertion and the rejection of Roman rule repeatedly drove the Germans into conflict. The danger of losing their freedom was omnipresent, but resistance to the RomanExpansion was as strong as the willingness to keep fighting.
Turning point in the history of Germanic space
The years between 9 and 21 after the reunification marked a decisive turning point in the history of Germanic space. This manifests a time of conflicts, internal tensions, but also cultural and political interdependencies. Arminius, the young Cheruscus prince, becomes a symbol of resistance to Roman supremacy, but his story is only part of itof a multi-layered process. This period shows how deeply rooted the ambivalent relations between the Germans and Romans were: on the one hand cultural exchange, on the other irrepressible resistance to foreign rule.
This epoch forms the basis for the later German consciousness, for the myth of a free and self-determined people opposed to oppressionof the Roman world. The events that began in these years are still present in the collective memory today and influence the understanding of freedom, identity and national self-determination.
If we want to understand the history of these years, we need to understand the complex interdependencies, internal conflicts and cultural diversity of these timesonly in this way can we truly grasp the importance of Arminius and his time – a time of change, challenge and laying the foundation for the German self-image.
Drusus’ successful expansion in the East
In the course of his campaigns, Drusus, the Roman general and brother of Emperor Tiberius, was able to control the Westphalian landscape east of Paderborn without any major obstacles. Especially at Corvey, an important place in today’s North Rhine-Westphalia, he reached the Weser – a crucial river in the Germanic area. The Weser formed an important border at that timebetween the Roman area of influence in the west and the not yet completely subjugated Germanic tribes in the east.
The Roman sources, especially Dio Cassius, tell that Drusus advanced even further, as far as the Elbe. According to these reports, he had even crossed the river and would have crossed it if the supply situation had not put a stop to him.Dio Cassius, for example, claims that Roman troops were prevented from expanding because food supplies were running low and winter was just around the corner, making it impossible to move forward.
The superstitious influence and the mysterious signs
But the Romans were strongly influenced by superstition in their worldview. Dio Cassius mentions another, less obvious cause of the abrupt withdrawal. He writes that a swarm of bees nested in the Drusus’ camp – an ominous omen for the Romans, a harbinger of catastrophic events. According to the conviction of the time, a swarm of bees symbolized the beginning of a bad onesinister and was a sign of the approaching doom or serious catastrophes. This alleged omen meant that the Romans had to secure the safe area on the Rhine again, the so-called Rhine border, and bring them to safety again. The fear of ominous omens – be it through nature, the supernatural or the gods – played an important role in Roman thinking. herinfluenced the generals’ decisions and contributed to the advance eastward abruptly ending, although the military conditions were actually favorable.
The withdrawal and threat in the Teutoburg Forest
On the way back west of the Weser, the Roman army got into a critical situation, which was later to play a tragic role in the history of the Roman Empire. The army of Drusus, which retreated to the west, came to the place that would later become known as the scene of the Varus disaster – the Dörenschlucht in the Teutoburg Forest near Detmold.If the sources report, the Roman troops were pushed into an almost hopeless position. Dio Cassius writes that they were enclosed in a gorge – probably the Dörenschlucht, a narrow, steep passage in the Teutoburg Forest. The Germans had locked them there in such a way that the Romans hardly saw a way out. Their situation seemed hopeless, becauseThey were surrounded by steep mountain walls from all sides, which rise surprisingly rugged and steep in the otherwise gentle Teutoburg Forest. The Germans who knew their homeland and ruled the area believed they had seized their chance. They saw the Roman troops in the narrow and in their majority. It was a situation in which the Romans could hardly find a foothold in which theBattle happiness on the part of the Germans.
Young Army and the memory of the fight
At that time, Arminius was still a child, just seven years old. He was too young to do the fight. In the Germanic societies, the ability to weapons was usually only achieved from about ten years, although at that time one did not automatically fight in the front row. Nevertheless, it is assumed that Arminius will see the events and the dramatic situation inhas probably noticed his home region and the pictures are deeply anchored in his memory. He will have the scene in mind: A Roman army that seemed almost invincible in open grounds due to its military organization, armament and tactics, but was enclosed in the dense forests and between the steep mountains in a hopeless location. Especially inTeutoburg Forest, an area generally known for its confusing paths, dense forests and rugged rocks, the Roman military could not fully develop its power.
The Roman Army: Structure and Organization
In order to better understand what is happening, it is important to know the structure of the Roman army. The term “legion” comes from the Latin word “legere” which means “select”. Originally, the legions were an elite unit consisting of carefully selected soldiers. At the beginning of the Roman Republic, about 750 years ago, a legion comprised about 4,000 to 5,000 men. to that300 riders were provided by wealthy citizens who could afford horseback riding gear. These riders were a smaller unit compared to the foot soldiers, but mostly performed in associations in battle. At that time, each soldier had to raise his own equipment, including armor, weapon and horse, which determined the social class.
Development of the legions and their tactical structure
Over the centuries, especially after the wars against Hannibal and other great generals, the Roman army has been continuously developed. For about 500 years, a legion was divided into ten cohorts, which in turn consisted of several centers. The typical team strength per legion was around 4,500 to 6,000 men, depending on the era and needs. the smallestTactical unit was later when Emperor Augustus increased the legions to about 6,000 men, the so-called Centurie – derived from the Latin “centum” (hundred). A centuria consisted of about 80 to 100 soldiers organized in a number of ten groups, the Centuria.
Leadership and hierarchy in the Roman Legion
The officer hierarchy was also precisely regulated. The Centurions that led the individual Centuries were not members of the official officer corps, but were elected based on their abilities and through the trust of their men. So who was able to be appointed Centurion could be determined by the soldiers themselves. Later, in the course ofRoman Empire, the leadership was further professionalized. The decision as to who is at the top was increasingly made by the High Command, with important personalities who steered the legions through their skills and political influence. It is known that in the Roman army the choice of leaders plays an important roleplayed, sometimes even significantly influenced the decision for an emperor.
The Roman Army in the Empire: Numbers and Equipment
At the time of Emperor Augustus, who reigned for almost three decades, the Roman army comprised a total of about 75 legions. This meant a troop strength of about 300,000 to 350,000 soldiers stationed in the various provinces. Around 50 years earlier, Gaius Marius had fundamentally changed the Roman military with his reforms. He created a professional army thatVolunteers who could also be slaves or former slaves. These troops received full civil rights, which strengthened loyalty to Rome.
The auxiliary troops: non-Roman associations in action
In addition to the regular legions, more and more auxiliary troops units also appeared over time. These were mostly of non-Roman origin: lightly armed Germans, Gauls, Iberians and other peoples fought in the Roman ranks. Your equipment was relatively simple: They hardly wore helmets, mostly only struggled with skewers, short swords and simple dresses likePants or Coats. These auxiliary were mainly active in cavalry, as they often formed fast, flexible units that could play their strengths off-road. Any legionnaire who went into battle dragged spades, twill posts, and other equipment to his weapons, allowing him to quickly build a line of defense. the equipmentA soldier could weigh up to 100 pounds (about 45 kilograms) on longer marching routes.
Warehouse: protection and organization in the field
At the end of each day, a fortified camp was always set up to protect the soldiers from attacks. These camps consisted of ramparts and ditches, which were protected by pointed palisades, the so-called “palisade fence”. The storage technology was highly developed: Partly part of the army was still fighting while the other soldiers created the camp wall. This approach was forthe survival of the Roman troops decisive. Experience showed that well-protected camps and a wise strategy could make the difference between victory and defeat. The officers had enormous strategic and tactical experience gained in numerous campaigns against armies of all kinds – from the Black Sea to Gibraltar, from the North Sea to afterNorth Africa.
Germanic Resistance: Chaos and the Down of Liberty
In contrast, the Germans held little of strict order. For them, “order” was often synonymous with subordination, and that was not very pleasant to them. In tight organization they saw more of a restriction of their freedom, which they fundamentally rejected. In the constant conflicts between integration and self-determination, the Germans usually beat at the most inappropriate momentback. The balance between military discipline and personal freedom was difficult for them to achieve. They only obeyed when they wanted, and then only voluntarily, without coercion.
The fight according to the principle of the “bowler head”
The Germans often fought according to a principle that is said to have been taught to them by their supreme God Wotan, the god of war and magic. This principle is called “Boeder’s Head” or “Keil”. They lined up in tight, wedge-shaped formations, mostly by clan affiliation: father next to son, brother next to nephew, uncle next to cousin. In this formation, at firstIf you look powerful and unstoppable, you could strike a lot in attack. The so-called “Boerkopf” was extremely effective in the short, violent attack. But when the line was broken, the Germans got into trouble. Then the battered “booger’s head” between the lines was splintered and chopped up.
Family associations and the importance of the top
The main place in the battle was the tip of the wedge. Here stood the leaders – the dukes, kings or tribal leaders – who were the champions in every respect. They were the bravest and strongest fighters who were in the front line to lead the attack. The most famous fighter of this kind was the Gothic King Teja, who was about 450 years after the Roman campaigns in theVesuvive area fought his last battle. He was fatally wounded when the shield was pierced by twelve spears. His last big big thing was handed down in the legends. Even if a leader did not agree with the official combat tactics, he always had to stand up for the decision at the front line with his life. Germanic culture saw courage andHonor in battle and willingness to sacrifice oneself for the common good of the clan.
Military Plants: Forts and Strategic Places
In the years before the Varus Battle, several forts were built, which highlighted the strategic orientation of Roman expansion. The main facilities were the Saalburg im Taunus, the Castellum Mattiacum near Mainz and the Aliso Castle on the Lippe. The forli Asli Asli is still the subject of intensive archaeological research today, because it is a possible place of the Varus Battleapplies. These fortifications symbolized the increasing Roman presence in the Germanic area and were part of the large-scale defense and control strategy.
Drusus’ final campaigns and the end of his expansion efforts
In 10 BC, Drusus re-entered the Chatt tribe, who lived south of the Elbe. The campaign, which lasted several years, was probably one of his most impressive, but also last. He first moved south to conquer the Main and then turned north. He reached the Werra, crossed the heartland of the Cheruscans andadvanced eastward, to the edge of the Thuringian Forest. From there he wanted to reach the Elbe via the rivers or and Saale – an important strategic goal. But the Germanic opponents were not only numerous, but also extremely resilient.
The Last Attempt and the Threat of the Teutons
On the way to the Elbe, the Roman army was strongly stopped by the marching Germans – including the mighty Lombards and the Semnons. The Lombards were then considered the wildest of all Germanic peoples, known for their warfare and cruelty. The Semnons, an important Suebian people, defended a sacred place, a tree or grove, in whichpresumably also a place of worship or column.
The Romans, exhausted by the hardships of the campaign and already in the late seasons, faced a challenge: they barely had the strength to cope with the last stretches. The season had already progressed, and the Germans were preparing for winter, which for the Romans was usually the finalDeath blow.
The prophecy of a Germanic prophetess
Dio Cassius also reports on an extraordinary event that was deeply rooted in the Germanic people, especially in their religious tradition. Suddenly, a woman who was exceptionally tall – a giant woman – is said to have met the Roman general Drusus and called out a prophecy to him:
“Insatiable Drusus! Where are you going! Fate has not determined you, Moreturn back, for the end of your deeds is at hand!”
Dio Cassius believes that this voice was a divine message. He only wonders why a woman should have proclaimed this vision. But in the Germanic world, foretelling women were an important figure.
Divinations and Giant Sculptures: Gods and Giants
Such women play a major role in Germanic sagas and legends. The famous Veleda, who lived in a tower with the Brukterers, was a well-known fortune teller. Ganna, another prophetess, is also said to have later visited the Roman emperor Domitian in Rome and became known for accurately predicting future events.
That Dio Cassius made this prophecy forfairytale, is understandable. But the statements about the gigantic size of these prophets are not only legends, but have real backgrounds. Finds of huge skeletons in burial grounds of the 5th and 6th centuries indicate extraordinary body sizes. The bones of Saxon Duke Widukind, which were found in Enger, could also indicate similar sizes.
The Fate of Drusus and the Fulfillment of Prophecy
What makes this scene so impressive from the point of view of the Germanic world of that time is that Dio Cassius himself writes that he could have no doubt about the truth of this prophecy. A few days after the encounter with the giant woman, Drusus is said to have been seriously injured in a horse accident. He broke his thigh, was apparently critically wounded and eventually died afterabout thirty days.
His death occurred in the arms of his brother Tiberius, who, at the behest of the Emperor Augustus, travelled the 300 kilometres to his brother by car or even on foot to rescue him. Throughout the voyage, Tiberius is said to have led the funeral procession at the forefront.
Drusus’ Legacy and the Afterlife in Memory
Drusus was only thirty years old at the time. Arminius was just nine years old when these events took place. At that time, Varus was still active in the Roman provinces of Africa and Syria. The Romans erected a memorial to Drusus on the site of the later Mainz, and the castles he built are still reminiscent of his campaigns to this day.
The Roman general was known for his courageand his willingness to fight in the most dangerous situations – such as the so-called “spolia opima”, in which he captured the armour of an enemy commander-in-chief. For him, it was not only the conquest and collection of loot that was important, but above all the expansion of Roman influence.
Tiberius takes over the leadership and further development
After the death of Drusus, Tiberius took over the leadership of the Roman troops in Germania. The historian Velleius Paterculus reports that Tiberius mastered the heavy burden of war with great bravery and skill. He crossed the area from north to south, from the North Sea to the southern borders, and was able to bring Germania under control to such an extent that it was almost like aroman province.
For his successes, Tiberius received a second triumphal march in Rome in 10 AD. His campaigns against the Germans were marked by strategic prudence. In particular, the fight against the Sugambrer, who proved to be particularly stubborn opponents, was the focus.
The End of the Campaign: The Last Great Campaign
In 10 BC, Drusus launched a last major campaign against the Germanic tribes living in southern Germany. He attacked the Chatten, an important Germanic group based in the area south of the Elbe. The campaign was successful, but also extremely strenuous.
Drusus first moved south to conquer the Main, and then north to the borders of theactual Cherusker area. Via the Werra he reached the heartland of the Cheruscans and advanced further east. His goal was the Elbe, which he just missed despite his opposing defense.
The threat from the Germanic peoples
On the way east, the Roman army was stopped again and again by the Germans. Especially the Lombards, who were considered wild and belligerent at the time, and the Semnones, who were an important Suebian group, presented great hurdles. The Semnons also had a sacred grove they defended because they probably had a place of worship or a symbolic figure, such as aPillar, was revered. At this point, the Germans were already in late autumn and beginning of winter, a time when the Romans were very afraid of the harsh weather conditions. A Germanic winter meant great danger for the Roman troops, since they were only limited to the wintry conditions.
The prophecy of a Germanic prophetess
Dio Cassius reports a special event during the campaign: a prophet who was exceptionally great, opposed the Roman general Drusus. She is said to have shouted a warning to him: insatiable Drusus! where do you want to go Fate did not decide you to see more. Turn back, because the end of your deeds is near!”Voice came from a deity, which was quite common in the Germanic world. Prophecy women, so-called “Völvas” or “Albrunen”, were of great importance. They were immortalized in legends and legends, such as the famous Veleda, who lived in a tower with the Brukterers, or Ganna, who visited the Emperor Domitian in Rome and predicted future events.
Giant women and their importance in Germanic mythology
The scene that Dio Cassius describes was later dismissed as a fairy tale. But in the Germanic world, the idea of gigantic women who had a special influence on fate was quite credible. The height of such women was often given in legends with more than two meters. In archaeological finds, such as burial grounds of the 5th and 6th centuries,Skeletons of tall men and women who point to extraordinary body sizes. Even the bones of the Saxon duke Widukind, who were dug up in Enger, suggest an unusually large body build. It is therefore not surprising that Dio Cassius’ report on the giant woman and the prophecy can hardly be dismissed as a fairy tale.
The Fate of Drusus and the Fulfillment of Prophecy
What makes this scene so important for the Germanic world of the time is the fact that Dio Cassius himself writes that he can have no doubt about the truth of this prophecy. A few days after the encounter with the giant woman, Drusus was seriously injured in a horse accident. He fell off his horse, broke his thigh and was probably wounded life-threateningly. After aboutDrusus died in his brother Tiberius’ arms for thirty days, as the sources report. In response to the news of the accident, at the behest of Emperor Augustus, he rushed the 300-kilometer route to north-west Germany in a cart or even on foot to recover his brother. Throughout the journey, Tiberius is said to have led the funeral procession on the front line,Brother’s coffin on his back.
The Legacy of Drusus’ and the consequences
Drusus was only thirty years old at this point. Arminius, who later became the leader of the Germanic resistance, was just nine years old at the time. During these years Varus was still active in the provinces of Africa and Syria. The Roman troops erected a memorial to Drusus on the site of later Mainz, and the forts he had created became places of remembrance of hiscampaigns. Drusus was a courageous general who relied not only on his military strength in the battles, but also on his willingness to personally enter the battle. He is said to have often been involved in dangerous duels with enemy commanders in order to strengthen the courage of his troops and frighten the enemy.
Tiberius’ rise and further development
After the death of Drusus, Tiberius took over the leadership of the Roman forces in Germania. The Roman historian Velleius Paterculus describes how Tiberius mastered the challenge: He moved through the Germanic territories, led the troops with skill and gained control of the area. His goal was to tame Germania to such an extent that it was almost like a Roman provinceappeared. In 10 AD he was granted a second triumphal procession in Rome for his successes, and he received the office of consul.
The last campaigns under Tiberius
In his first year in the successor of Drusus, Tiberius undertook a significant campaign against the Sugambians, whom he considered particularly dangerous. The Sugambrians were a Germanic tribe that was consistently fought by the Romans because he repeatedly appeared in rebellions against Roman rule. Tiberius had the leaders of the Sugambians arrested, although these envoysgoods and peace negotiations. Instead, they were quickly established in Rome, which saved them their deaths, but ultimately only increased their resistance. After the defeat, the population of the Sugambians was divided and about 40,000 people were resettled to other areas. Augustus wanted to make an example of these measures: strength through deterrence.This was to make it clear to the Germanic tribes that resistance to Rome was only associated with severe consequences.
The dramatic situation in the Teutoburg Forest
These events around Drusus’ campaigns, the dramatic situation in the Teutoburg Forest and the prophecies of the Germanic prophecies are central moments in early Roman-Germanic contact. They reveal not only the military strategies and the organization of the Roman legions, but also the cultural world of the Germans, their religious ideas and their deeply rootedRejection of Roman rule. The history of these years is characterized by courage, conflict and the unconditional will of the Germans to defend their freedom – an attitude that resonates to this day and shapes the identity of the German people.
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