Arminius was a Germanic military leader in the very early first century AD. His legend goes down as him being a mighty defender of the Germanic lands against the Romans.

There is a lot that can be learned about the legendary Arminius, but one thing that should be a lesson to you is that, much like many historical heroes and warriors, the biggest threat and danger sometimes comes from within. Whether it be jealousy or fear, when you are good at something – others will do all that they can to make you fall. Even those on your team are secretly praying for your demise. Being a leader is no easy feat, you need to inspire others to share your vision. A vision that shouldn’t include you being glorified or noticed or famous, but a vision that includes great rewards for all who are involved. Only then, may people see you as less of a threat.

Early Life of Arminius

The son of a Cheruscan chief, Arminius was born in 18 or 17 BC. He was trained as a military commander and obtained Roman citizenship while in his youth. He then returned to Germania and began his quest of driving the Romans out of the country.

The Life and Death of a Hero

While still in his early twenties, the soon-to-be hero and legend had taken command of Cheruscan auxiliary forces which had come from a previous Roman unit. He soon began planning the defeat of the Romans, hoping to join together the various Germanic tribes.

When he was 25, he laid a trap for the administrative official in the area, Publius Quinctilius Varus. A message was sent to Varus with the report of a rebellion in north Germany. After persuading Varus to send his legions there, Arminius trapped Varus and his three legions in an area near Kalkriese.

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There, the Battle of Teutoburg Forest took place. The allied Germanic tribes, including the Cherusci, Marsi and the Sicambri, defeated the entire army. Rather than fall into enemy hands, Verus committed suicide when he knew defeat was eminent.

This defeat of the Roman army is one that has become a legend. It is one of the first times in history that an “uncivilized” army defeated something as organized and powerful as the Romans. This act branded Arminius with the title of the Germanics’ hero. Every attempt by the Romans to retake the area afterwards failed.

He was later defeated by Germanicus twice, in the Battle of the Weser River and then near the Wall of the Angrivarii. People were starting to become wary of Arminius’ rise in power, and opposition started to crop up from those around him. A war broke out after the end of the Roman threat in Germania between Arminius and the king of Marcomanni, Marbod. The war eventually ended in a stalemate after Marbod’s fleeing and Arminius being unable to break through the defenses of Bohemia.

Arminius died in 21 AD. Despite his status as a hero of the people, the opponents in his own tribe had grown too fearful of his power and had him murdered.

What makes the legend of Arminius so powerful is the fact that he arranged for and completed the defeat of the Romans when they were already at the height of their power. The Germanic tribes were considered barbarians at that time, yet under Arminius’ military directions, managed to defeat an entire army.

Facts about Arminius

  • Even amongst his enemy, the Romans, Arminius was known as a great military tactician and a loyal soldier and hero to his country. In a way, they admired his bravery.
  • He had married Thusnelda, a princess whose name can only be found in one author’s works, namely Strabo.
  • Legend has it that Tiberius of Rome had been offered a chance to murder Arminius and had refused, stating that Romans would avenge themselves without resorting to treachery.

By Daniel

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