Yet, whether his legacy marks the birth of the German nation is contestable and the use of his story must be approached with caution in an age where nationalistic heroes have been manipulated with devastating effects. Arminius can be remembered as a hero for his role in defeating the Romans in one of the greatest ambushes in the history of warfare. Fictions and children’s stories have used Hermann as a figure of inspiration, whilst Martin Luther and the Nazi Party have also glorified his ability to outwit and outpower a stronger force. Arminius, or Hermann (in German), has been glorified and used for certain political purposes throughout the modern era. Moreover, religious proliferation may too have been culled, which could explain why Germany is still divided by Catholic and Protestant differences. Arguably, European languages may not have developed as the use of Latin would have prevented the formation of modern European languages. Several prominent scholars have argued that without his interference, the Roman Empire would have stretched far further to the north and east. The story of Arminius is compelling, yet the effects of his intervention are complicated. These developments inspired the Romans to return six years later in 15 AD, where the barbarian tribes were thoroughly destroyed and Arminius was eventually assassinated by his own people. The barbarian people tied the heads of the fallen Romans to trees, stole their coveted legionary symbols, and sent governor Varus’s head to Rome. He returned, strengthened by allies, to ambush Varus among the trees and annihilate the legionaries. As the Romans, numbering some 10,000, marched toward their winter quarters through the mountainous Teutoburg Forest, Arminius deserted with his warriors. Whilst the torrential rains and winds contributed to Arminius’s victory, Arminius certainly used his understanding of Roman weaknesses in warfare to fight effectively.Īfter three days of fighting, the Romans were defeated and Varus and his commanders committed suicide rather than admit defeat to Emperor Augustus. A tribal enemy revealed Arminius intended treachery, but Varus did not believe him. Varus’s legions were stretched, as well as outnumbered in territory that favoured Arminius’s barbarian fighters. Arminius betrayed this trust and led Varus to believe that he needed assistance in suppressing an uprising deep into the Teutoburg forest. The Roman governor in the region was disillusioned and provocative, who carelessly entrusted Arminius as his source of knowledge in the province. Although raised in Rome, Arminius was a noble member of the Cherusci tribe, one of many barbarian and often warring tribes in the Germanic provinces. Arminius was raised and educated in Rome and served on campaigns with the Roman army. In 9 A.D., Arminius had enough support with the tribes to make his move and perhaps destroy Varus and push the Romans completely out. The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD was a turning point in history as Arminius led the Germanic barbarians to victory against the Romans. This edition will feature in Issue 38: Language and Culture
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