The legions of Rome, finely trained and equipped, expanded and guarded the territory of the Roman Empire. Tribute from conquered tribes and peoples filled the coffers of Rome. As the empire grew, the practice of using native levies and allies became the norm. Governors were tasked with gathering taxes and patrolling the borders to prevent incursions. A close friend of Emperor Augustus was assigned to Germania as Governor. Harsh governing led to open rebellion among Germanic tribes and a punitive military force of three legions was launched. Poor leadership decisions and treachery combined to doom the expedition which resulted in the Romans suffering a crushing defeat that ended the Germanic expansion of the Roman Empire.
In 6 AD, the new …show more content…
When the Roman’s entered the Teutoburg Forest, heavy rains began to fall that along with rough terrain and a primitive road caused the column to stretch between nine and twelve miles. It was during this time, that Arminius returned; not with allies, but leading attacking Germanic troops. The first series of attacks were hit and run strikes. As Arminius knew, the wooded terrain prevented the Romans from forming into formidable defensive formations. Isolated groups of Roman soldiers were overpowered as the Germanic warriors gained local superiority over them. The legions suffered heavy losses, but were able to construct a fortified camp for the first night of the …show more content…
The losses among the Germanic forces is unknown. The three Roman legions suffered the ultimate disgrace of losing their eagle standards. In Rome, the people were stunned and terrified by the defeat. Emperor Augustus, strongly affected, refused to cut his hair or beard and at times would dash his head against a door, crying "Quintilius Varus, give me back my legions!" Reprisal campaigns of Roman forces were launched to punish the Germanic tribes, and succeeded in recapturing the lost standards. However Roman never again sought to occupy lands east of the Rhine
In 6 AD, the new …show more content…
When the Roman’s entered the Teutoburg Forest, heavy rains began to fall that along with rough terrain and a primitive road caused the column to stretch between nine and twelve miles. It was during this time, that Arminius returned; not with allies, but leading attacking Germanic troops. The first series of attacks were hit and run strikes. As Arminius knew, the wooded terrain prevented the Romans from forming into formidable defensive formations. Isolated groups of Roman soldiers were overpowered as the Germanic warriors gained local superiority over them. The legions suffered heavy losses, but were able to construct a fortified camp for the first night of the …show more content…
The losses among the Germanic forces is unknown. The three Roman legions suffered the ultimate disgrace of losing their eagle standards. In Rome, the people were stunned and terrified by the defeat. Emperor Augustus, strongly affected, refused to cut his hair or beard and at times would dash his head against a door, crying "Quintilius Varus, give me back my legions!" Reprisal campaigns of Roman forces were launched to punish the Germanic tribes, and succeeded in recapturing the lost standards. However Roman never again sought to occupy lands east of the Rhine