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further information and translation: info@historiavivens.eu
english text
(at the bottom of the page some interesting videos)
L'Evento
“Quintili Vare, legiones redde!”
Augustus
Quintilius Varus, give me back my legions!«, Emperor Augustus apparently said after receiving the message about his governor’s defeat in Germania (Sueton, Vita Divi Augusti 23). - They were never given back. More about this on the ancient battlefield of Kalkriese…
Varus, give me my legions back!” Emperor Augustus is said to have cried out, when the news reached him that more than 15.000 Roman soldiers had been lured into an ambush by Germanic tribesmen and had suffered a crushing defeat.
The Emperor and the whole of Rome were shocked. The superpower Rome had lost three of its best legions and had suffered one of the greatest defeats of its history. The plans to set up a province east of the Rhine had been foiled.
The Varus Battle, also known as the Battle in the Teutoburg Forest, was to become an event of world historical importance. It shaped today's Europe decisively.
The Romans abandoned their plans for expansion in faraway Germania and retreated to beyond the Rhine
On May 15, German Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel has opened the exhibition project »IMPERIUM CONFLICT MYTH. 2,000 Years Varus Battle« at Museum und Park Kalkriese. »This is a unique project which allows us to learn lessons from history,« said Merkel at the site of the special exhibition CONFLICT. This exhibition, which is located at Kalkriese – the original site of the Varus Battle in the county of Osnabrück – is part of the biggest archaeological exhibition project in the course of the Varus Year. It was organized in collaboration with partner museums at Detmold and Haltern. Until October 25 the special exhibition inside the completely restructured visitor center at Kalkriese will shed light on the armed conflicts seen from the Germanic people’s perspective for the very first time. The permanent exhibtion features a totally new concept: Its focus is on discovering and understanding this ancient battle
On March 30, 2009, Museum und Park Kalkriese presented the new permanent exhibition's companion volume to the media. This volume contains the latest research regarding the events of the year 9 AD, conveyed by renowned experts from various disciplines in an understandable as well as concise manner. The German language exhibition catalogue was issued by German publishing house Philipp von Zabern. The volume counts 256 pages in the format 21 x 28 cm and contains more than 200 images. The book is available at the museum shop for EUR 19.90 from Good Friday onward
2,000 Years Varus Battle
What happens in 2009?
© from Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Blick-%C3%BCber-den-Teutoburger-Wald1.jpg
In 2009, two thousand years will have past since the Varus Battle ended, in a devastating defeat of the Roman Army in the remote region Germania, according to Roman authors. The exact date is not known. However, the Varus Battle in 9 AD was a turning point in European history. Due to the course of events and its historical background, its research and multifaceted ramifications, it is even today - and especially after 2000 years - an event which enables people to comprehend the past and thus the present.
Our museum program will be just as multifaceted as the event itself. A unique exhibition project titled »IMPERIUM KONFLIKT MYTHOS. 2000 Jahre Varusschlacht« (EMPIRE CONFLICT MYTH. 2,000 years Varus Battle) will illuminate various aspects of the Varus Battle from May 15 until October 25, 2009. Although the project is framed by one major theme, it will actually feature three exhibitions at three different historical sites in the Varus Battle's context. The locations are Haltern am See, Kalkriese and Detmold. A brochure providing tourist information about the main events in the course of this cooperation can be downloaded from the website: www.imperium-konflikt-mythos.de.
This remarkable and trans-regional cooperation of three museums titled »IMPERIUM KONFLIKT MYTHOS. 2000 Jahre Varusschlacht« will take place under the patronage of the following politicians:
Dr. Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany
Prof. Dr. Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of the European Parliament
Christian Wulff, Prime Minister of Lower Saxony
Dr. Jürgen Rüttgers, Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia
A new Varus Battle exhibition is currently being created at the Kalkriese museum. Both museum and new exhibition will open on May 15, 2009. The future permanent exhibition will focus on the main site of the battle and feature results comprising two decades of archaeological and multidisciplinary research at Kalkriese in their historical context. The current research activities at Kalkriese will be a major aspect of the exhibition.
Varusschlacht im Osnabrücker Land GmbH – Museum und Park Kalkriese in collaboration with Osnabrücker Land (county of Osnabrück) will offer a comprehensive and diverse program in 2009, featuring the so-called "Varus Weeks" as well as music, theater, lectures, special history days with join-in activities for visitors and other special events. Come and visit us – you’ll be surprised how much fun history can be!
Il Programma
Roman and Germanic Days
Date: 11.06.2009 to14.06.2009
2,000 years after the Varus Battle, Romans and Germanic tribes meet again on the historic battlefield – this time with peaceful intentions. For the first time, more than 350 performers from eight European countries are going to convey spectacular impressions of life in antiquity in the course of a four-day event. At the Roman military camp, visitors will gain some insights into a legionnaire’s life. What did a Roman tent look like? How was a camp set up? The participating re-enactors present Roman army life, explain equipment, demonstrate weapons, fighting techniques and marching formations based on the latest scientific facts. Do you wish to learn how much a lorica segmentata (segmented armor) weighed, or do you want to know what food a legionnaire’s preferred? If the answer is yes, the Roman and Germanic Days are the perfect event for you! Period costumes will be explained from crest to sandal. Another special topic will be the medical treatment by doctors and paramedics in the Roman army. And you can also experience the Roman way of life: For instance, visitors may attend a wedding according to Roman custom.
The Germanic camp shows how Germanic tribes used to live 2,000 years ago – at Kalkriese, more re-enactors than ever before will introduce visitors to Germanic customs and traditions. Deliciously smelling Germanic cuisine sizzles at many fireplaces and women are spinning, dyeing wool and weaving in truly Germanic fashion with small tablets. Pottery is made for everyday use, clay and glass beads for jewelry are also produced before the guests' eyes. A fisherman is casting his nets and tells how people used to fish at that time.
Guided tours of both camps explaining everyday life are available.
If you decide to stroll across the marketplace, you can visit a completely furnished Roman upper-class townhouse and get an impression of daily life in antique living quarters, or you may watch how antique jewelry is made and buy some special souvenirs.
»Feasting like in antique times« is the motto of the Roman food stalls. They offer a variety of food you can try as well as Roman beverages to quench your thirst. The model of a Roman wine press demonstrates Roman wine production 2,000 years ago. Visitors also learn how the precious grape juice was transported into the wide and gloomy lands of Germania. You are also invited to watch the production of ointments and cosmetics, and if you are interested in finding out about Roman contraception methods: they, too, will be explained.
Many join-in-activities make the Roman and Germanic Days an attraction for the entire family: Archery, forging, forming clay beads, creating Germanic laces and ribbons, dressing like a legionnaire, shooting tennis balls with an onager (Roman siege weapon) – there are plenty of possibilities.
2,000 year-old music will be presented for the first time at Kalkriese on Saturday evening, June 13th, 2009. You can listen to a Roman concert with music composed and performed by Musica Romana.
Another highlight is the so-called »Wall Event«. Alongside a 25 meter long wall, erected especially for this event, about 300 re-enactors representing Romans and Germanics are going to engage in commented battle scenes and demonstrate why the Romans were defeated at Kalkriese. The »Wall Event« is shown daily at 3:00 pm. The dress rehearsal takes place on Thursday, June 11th, 2009.
HermannTage vom 30.-31.05.2009
"Die Jungen Tenöre" eröffnen Waldbühne
Bereits zum fünften Mal organisiert die Lippe Tourismus & Marketing AG die HermannTage, die zugleich Auftakt für die Veranstaltungen des Internationalen Kulturprogramms Hermann 2009 sind.
Wie es sich für ein großartiges Familienfest gehört, werden Attraktionen für alle Familienmitglieder geboten. Ob Jung oder Alt, mit Hermann in Ice, Naturwesen, Waldameisen, vielfältigem Kinderprogramm, Stelzentanz auf höchstem Niveau, großer Illumination der Fa. Flash Art, Live-Musik und vielem mehr, erleben Sie unterhaltsame und unvergessliche Stunden am Hermannsdenkmal.
Der Eintritt für das öffentliche Programm der HermannTage ist frei. Außerdem bieten wir unseren Besuchern einen kostenlosen Shuttle-Service für die Hin- und Rückfahrt an.
Lediglich für den Programmpunkt zur Eröffnung der Waldbühne des Landesverbandes Lippe wurden eigens Tickets verkauft. Mittlerweile sind "Die Jungen Tenöre" ausverkauft.
Sie möchten trotzdem einen der begehrten Sitzplätze auf der Waldbühne besetzen? Dann verpassen Sie nicht die letzte Chance, Ihre Eintrittskarten zu gewinnen. Bei dem Last Minute-Gewinnspiel der Lippe Tourismus & Marketing AG „RATE MAL am Hermannsdenkmal“ können Sie zwischen 16:00 und 19:00 Uhr 7 x 2 Karten gewinnen. Besuchen Sie uns einfach an der Radio Lippe Bühne und erfahren Sie mehr
Samstag, 30.05.2009 - 16:00 - 24:00 Uhr
Sonntag, 31.05.2009 - 11:00 - 23:00 Uhr
La Storia
History of the Varus Battle
The Romans had imagined something else...
© www.kalkriese-varusschlacht.de
... when they set off in Germania, now pacified to a great extent, in the autumn of 9 AD in order to return to the comforts of their hibernal camp near the Rhine river. As the weather became colder some of them may already have dreamed of relaxing in the thermal baths and being in cosy rooms with under floor central heating. - One thing after another:
In the last two decades BC the Romans have entered step by step into Germania. At first, many indigenous tribes had defended themselves but were consequently suppressed. Others concluded peace treaties and enjoyed the achievements of the Roman culture, one says...
Since 7 AD Germania had a »proper« governor, just like any other regular province of the Roman Empire. His name was Publius Quintilius Varus and he was a much respected man in the capitol Rome and last but not least, he was experienced: A few years earlier, he had already been a governor of the rich province of Syria. Violent riots arose after King Herod’s death – who had been the King of Palestine. Varus brought the province under control, punished the rebels and re-established the structures of power. He surely was the right man for Germania where the Romans occasionally encountered some resistance. Though evil tongues said that above all he personally enriched himself in Syria. But he who has success is also the object of envy…
In the past years Varus had begun to introduce the Roman jurisdiction to Germania. He travelled around and held court days regularly. The local tribes seemed to become accustomed to this slowly and many responded to this offer gladly. Not quite so popular was the topic “taxes”. Just like any other province, Germania was liable to tax, too. Varus did his best to put this into action. In doing so however, incomprehension and sometimes even hatred struck against him. However, resistance was completely futile: For the subdued provinces, the duty was obligatory and the necessity of taxes was clear to even every child in Rome …
After a mainly unspectacular year - with only a few skirmishes here and little grumbling of the local people there - Varus thought he had completed his duty in Germania for this year. He and his followers started to make their way back to the river Rhine. The route was familiar; until now no particular incidents. However, Segestes, who had a good reputation and was well disposed by the Romans, visited Varus in the evening. He obviously was worried and tried to warn Varus of an imminent attack. However, when Varus heard who he was cautioned against, he shook his head and rejected the warning: He knew Arminius and his father Segimer, both noble Cherusci and in possession of Roman citizenship, for a long time. Every now and then, they dined together and he had never heard complaints about Arminius’ performance as an officer in the Roman Army, neither did he himself have a reason to complain. After all, Arminius had grown up and was educated in Rome. His military career was promising. He had even been accepted to the Roman equestrian class. Why should he, Varus, be endangered by this man who had grown up with Roman values and within the Roman culture? That had to be a misunderstanding or even slander. The route southwards could be continued confidently...
In the course of the next day, Varus received a message in which a Germanic people in difficulties asked for help not far away from the travelling route. Varus quickly calculated the detour, decided that it was acceptable and took the route into unknown territory in order to assist the people seeking help. Although moving forward through the rough terrain was difficult - trees had to be cut down and smaller obstacles had to be overcome - all in all, they got on rather well …
The attack out of the undergrowth came unexpectedly. The Germanic soldiers attacked with all their might. The resistance of the Romans was hindered by the terrain. It was impossible to organise a battle formation. In addition, the impedimenta with its civilians, wagons, pack animals and the transportation carts had to be protected. Therefore, the loss and the casualties were high. In the evening, they entrenched themselves behind a carefully set up camp. They discussed their options and decided to leave unnecessary ballast behind, especially the transportation carts. They set everything on fire so it would not fall into the hands of the enemy…
The second day was no better for the Roman side despite strategic considerations. In addition, the weather was persistently bad. As the paths became sodden and the approaching enemies continued their incalculable attacks, the Romans suffered heavier losses than before. An orderly camp for the night was impossible. The Romans tried to defend themselves as good as possible. - Were these the forces that had also attacked the Germanic people who had sent for help? Could the Romans, if they pushed forward, join the Germanic people who had sent for help and were favourable towards Rome? And where was Arminius, who had left two days earlier to call on allies for help?
The next day brought about the decision. The Romans were in a desolate condition, many were injured, clothes were soaked from the rain, and the shields were heavy from the absorbed water. The Germanic warriors, whose knowledge of the terrain and their light weapons gave them an advantage, were able to overpower the remaining Romans and kill many of them. When Varus realised the hopelessness of the situation he committed suicide. Thereby the survivors lost courage even more and many tried to flee, while others surrendered to the enemy or committed suicide, too.
Florus describes the Germanic brutality, the atrocities inflicted upon the defeated Romans. A holy Germanic grove is referred to the site of the event where the Roman officers were tortured and slayed at the altars. In the end, three legions, three squadrons of cavalry (alae) and six cohorts of auxiliary troops as well as the impedimenta of slaves, women and children were annihilated. Two Roman aquilas were lost to the enemies. The standard bearer broke off the third aquila and hid it underneath his clothes in order to protect it from looting. Where his flight ended is not known; his survival is unlikely.
Augustus who received Varus’ disembodied head from the Germanic tribes mourned for the dead and prepared an honourable burial for his governor’s head. He never used the numbers of the perished legions - 17, 18 and 19 - again. The plans of Germanias conquest east of the Rhine were given up soon after. The Romans retreated to the border river Rhine.
Roman historians like Sueton put the catastrophe down to “imprudence” and “carelessness”. But who can decide this from this distance?
Ancient authors on the issue of the Varus Battle
Current Sources
All descriptions and mentions of the Varus Battle and its effects report on these events from the Roman point of view. There are no descriptions showing the Germanic perspective because the Germanic tribes did not leave written lore behind. This fact should always be kept in mind when reading ancient sources. Even Tacitus who committed himself to objectivity as his highest aim as an author - »sine ira et studio«, meaning »without anger and eagerness« - did not write devoid of affection and rejection. Besides one has to consider that - except Strabon and Velleius Paterculus - none of the authors experienced the Varus Battle as a contemporary. Many therefore report second- handed and use older descriptions of rather varying and no longer verifiable quality.
Strabon
Strabon was probably born in winter 64 / 63 BC in Amaseia, Asia Minor, and came of a family with good reputation who cultivated a friendship with the Pontic royal family. Educated by various well-known philosophers he arrived in Rome travelling via Egypt and Greece. There he writes historical and a geographical work in Greek. As usual, he made use of already published sources and seldom of contemporaries. His dry, sober and unemotional style corresponded to the prevailing taste. The precise year of his death around 23 AD is unknown.
»Geographiká Hypomnémata« - »Geographical Notes« was the name of the work - frequently quoted, gladly used by others in the ancient world. In contrast to many other works of Strabon, it has been preserved. Its quality varies due to the different levels of records and data Strabon used.
Velleius Paterculus
The Roman historian (Caius) Velleius Paterculus was born around 20/19 BC. He came of a family of the equestrian class and passed through several positions in his military career. In the years 1 - 4 AD, he accompanied Caius Iulius Caesar to the Parthians in the Middle East. Then in 9 AD, he took part in Tiberius’ campaigns in Pannonia and in Germania in 9 - 11 AD as well as in Tiberius’ triumphal procession in 12 AD in Rome. A last reference to his biography is provided by the dedication of his last work which is dated 30 AD or shortly before then. The year of his death is unknown.
»Historia Romana« - Velleius’ historical work is usually called »Compendium of Roman History«, the ancient name is unknown. It consists of two parts. In order to write about events in the past, he used the works of other authors, whereas he described Tiberius’ expeditions as a contemporary. His historical work is the only preserved description of Augustus’ and Tiberius’ times from the view of a contemporary witness.
Tacitus
Publius Cornelius Tacitus was born around 55 AD and raised in a distinguished family. In Rome, he served several Emperors in various posts during his military career. In 78 AD, he married the daughter of Iulius Agricola, the Conqueror of Britannia. Later, Tacitus wrote Iulius Agricola’s biography. In times of Emperor Trajan, he was governor of the province Asia. The exact year of his death is unknown, but is estimated around 116/120 AD.
In addition to »Germania«, a description of the country and the people living there, and other smaller works, his chief works were the book »Historiae« (meaning »histories«) and the book »Annales« (in English »annals«).
»Annales ab excessu divi Augusti« - »Annals, from the death of deified [Emperor] Augustus« was supposedly the complete title of one of his main works. In this book, Tacitus recounts - following his principle »sine ira et studio« (which means »without anger and eagerness« and therefore as objective as possible; Annals 1,1,3) - the events of the years 14 - 68 AD in a strictly chronological order. Unfortunately, some parts have been lost.
Due to his accurate style and his adherence to the moral code of senator aristocracy, Tacitus is one of the most important sources of Roman history, even if his judgement of certain persons, e.g. Emperor Tiberius, was neither objective nor correct.
Sueton
Caius Suetonius Tranquillus was born around 70 AD presumably in North Africa. He came of a family of the equestrian class, worked as an advocate at first and eventually came to Rome with the assistance of his friend Plinius the Younger. There he served in imperatorial service and finally held the influential position of emperor’s secretary (»ab epistulis«) at Hadrian’s Court. In 121 AD, he was dismissed and lived as a private scholar in Rome for an indefinite period of time.
»De vita Caesarum« - »Lives of the Caesars« (best known in English as »The Twelve Caesars«) is the name of his preserved chief work, in which he describes the lives of the twelve Roman Emperors from Caius Iulius Caesar to Domitian. He used a fixed scheme which even subordinated historical facts if necessary.
The purpose of his works was to amuse his readers, gladly using anecdotes and not write in the style of a pernickety historian.
Many of his other works are lost. Only the chapters about the poets Terenz and Horaz from his book »On Famous Men« (»De viri illustribus«) are extant.
Florus
Lucius (or Publius) Annaeus Florus composed an epitome of Roman history in the early 2nd century AD. He availed himself of historical works written by [older/elder] historians. His principle source supposedly was Livius.
»Epitome de Tito Livio ...« - »Epitome of the Histories of Titus Livy ...« is the name of his work in which he describes the epochs of Rome’s history corresponding to the phases of a human life. His merit lies more in his elaborate rhetorical style than in historical accuracy.
Cassius Dio
Born around 150 AD, Cassius Dio Cocceianus held high offices in his home town Nicaea in Bythinia (Asia Minor), just like his father had done. He passed through the classic Roman career of a public servant and was governor of the provinces Africa, Dalmatia and Upper Pannonia. Due to his austerity against the soldiers, he antagonised the Praetorian Guards so that he had to assume his second consulate as a colleague of Emperor Severus Alexander outside of the city boundaries of Rome. Hereafter, he returned to Bythinia and probably died around 235 AD.
Only fragments remain of his work »Roman History« (»Romaïkè Historía«), consisting of eighty books and written in Greek. The work in the style of an annual was structured in centuries. He mentions the older authors used for his works by name, including Polybios and Livius. His detailed description of the time after Marcus Aurelius which he depicts - while in imperatorial service - as a contemporary witness is of particular value. Especially due to his contemporary perspective, Cassius Dio is one of the most important sources of Roman history
Germanic tribes
Who were the »Germanic tribes«?
© www.kalkriese-varusschlacht.de
The Germanic people appeared for the first time in history in the 2nd Century BC. They were described by their Celtic neighbours as tribes coming from the north and the east. Even Caesar’s knowledge at the time of the »Gallic War« is partly based on information provided by a Celtic Druid.
The name, which is a component of a Germanic tribe’s name, was apparently taken up and generalised by the Gauls and later by the Romans. However, the Germanic people themselves only used the names of the particular ethnic groups and did not see themselves as a unit. Their history was always the history of their own individual tribe.
In the time of the conquest of Gaul by Caesar in the 1st century BC the Romans repeatedly came in touch with the Germanic tribes. They attacked several times towards the south and proved themselves to be serious opponents. Repeatedly, Caesar was able to force them to retreat. Hereby the river Rhine turned out to be not only a geographical border, but also an increasingly important political one.
Smaller Germanic groups existed in the area west of the river Rhine. They were called the »germani cisrhenani«. The largest group was the Eburones. The main Germanic settlements however were situated along the area east of the Rhine up to the North Sea, to Scandinavia, to the Baltic Sea and finally to Bohemia and Moravia. The tribes living here can be divided into larger cultural groups, based on their cultural heritage. These are, for example, the North-Sea-Germanic people, the Rhine-Weser-Germanic people or the Elbe-Germanic people. Within the Germanic tribes warlike conflicts often arose. There were no signs of collective, political cooperation or target-oriented approaches against non-Germanic people. However, they caused diffuse anxiety in the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC and AD because attacks from the northern tribes had resulted in numerous defeats.
Former inhabitants from Kalkriese
The area around Kalkriese was already inhabited by wandering hunters and later by farming settlers since the Stone Age, at the end of the third millennium BC. This is proven by finds from the hunters’ campgrounds and especially from graves. The indications are rather sparse and it is not known if the area was permanently inhabited.
However, traces of residential buildings dating back to the Pre-Roman Iron Age and the Early Roman Imperial Era were found here. The remains of the Germanic settlements were situated on the hillside. There, the sandy ground was dry enough to build houses. Little brooks and wells in the nearby lowland provided the necessary water supply. There was enough fertile farmland. The remnants of houses were in an oval and later in a rectangular shape. They had a double-span interior. It was mainly the dark traces of the support logs in the light, sandy soil which remained. Similar houses existed at that time in today’s Westphalia and the Netherlands. Small rectangular structures of pillars indicate that there might have been storehouses which belonged to the residential houses.
At the time of the Varus Battle, at the beginning of the 1st century AD, the Germanic tribes lived in the region between the rivers Elbe and Weser in loose village-like settlements. These consisted of dispersed, single farmsteads. They were a lot different to today’s densely built-up villages.
A Germanic farmstead was composed of a rectangular residential house, as mentioned above, where humans and animals lived in separated areas. In addition to this, there were various storehouses and adjoining buildings. The arable farm land, the areas used for animal litter and wintertime forage, and the woodland used both as a close and night-time pasture were situated nearby. During the day, the cattle would graze further away at the edge of the forest.
There are not many finds which could provide information about the Later Roman Imperial Era, the Migration Period and the Early Middle Ages. Obviously, only a few people settled in and around Kalkriese during that time. The area might even have been temporarily unpopulated. An increased number of finds indicate that further settlements have existed in the High Middle Ages. They are also mentioned in source material and characterise the settlement on the northern slopes of the Wiehen Mountains down to the present day
The Romans
The northern border of the Imperium Romanum
© www.kalkriese-varusschlacht.de
During Caesar’s reign, the attention of the Roman Empire increasingly turned to the north. In the middle of the first century BC, Gaul became a Roman province. Augustus divided the province into three parts - Lugdunensis, Belgica and Aquitania. With the centre being the altar of Augustus and Roma in Lugdunum, today’s Lyon.
In 16 BC the fifth legion led by Marcus Lollius was defeated in Northern Gaul by intruding Germanic troops, who even stole their aquila. As a result of this, Augustus felt impelled to go to Gaul himself, accompanied by Tiberius, where he stayed until 14 BC. Drusus and Tiberius then subdued the rebels.
In 9 BC, Drusus also had to fight against the Germanic Marcomanni who were led by Marbod. After he had subdued them, they moved towards the south and withdrew into Bohemia. Immediately afterwards, the revolt in Pannonia and Dalmatia demanded the attention of the Roman forces. The uprising could only be countered with difficulty, by concentrating 15 legions.
During the years around the turn of the eras, the number of Germanic attacks in the north increased once again. Therefore, Emperor Augustus sent Tiberius to quell these rebellions. In the year 8 BC, he subdued the Germanic tribes between the rivers Rhine and Elbe. Furthermore, he resettled Sicambri and Suebi in the areas near the river Rhine. At Augustus’ request, Tiberius advanced to the river Weser and was, from a military point of view, quite successful.
In the Roman Empire one came to the conclusion that the Germanic region had mainly been subdued and that Rome’s territorial dominance was safe. The resistance seemed to have weakened. Many Germanic people saw themselves as allies of the Roman Empire and occasionally even attained Roman citizenship. For a few years already, there was a military unit of Germanic Cherusci which was integrated into the Roman Army. It was led by a man who had been trained as an officer in Rome and who came from a respected Cheruscan family. His Roman name was Arminius; his original name was not known amongst the Romans. Even Augustus himself was not biased with regard to Germanic people. For example, they reliably served as his bodyguards.
It is disputed amongst scholars whether Germania already was a ”real” Roman province or not. It is a fact that in 7 AD an experienced Roman officer was sent to Germania in order to become its governor. His name was Publius Quintilius Varus. He fulfilled his official duties in accordance with the regulations, he organised court sessions under Roman law and collected taxes. His relationship to the local inhabitants was two-sided. This was not unusual for a governor. Some complained about the amount of tributes, but others were treated like friends by the Roman officer. For example, he occasionally invited the above-mentioned Cheruscan officer and his father into his quarters for food and drinks.
Nobody had expected the Germanic rebellion against Varus in 9 AD. Especially since this rebellion was quite different compared to the usual Germanic attacks: A part of the Roman Army –the integrated Cheruscan unit– had turned against Varus. Furthermore, the insurgents had had the same valuable military training as the attacked soldiers, their former comrades in arms. In addition to this, they knew the area well and had prepared an elaborate plan. By asking for help and by pretending to be in need of military assistance, they lured the Romans into a trap where they could ambush them and exploit these advantages. The difficult terrain and the continuing bad weather prevented the Romans from applying their approved strategies. I.e. the arrangement of troops in tactical combat formations was entirely impossible. The equipment which was carried along and the women, children and slaves who accompanied the legions as civilians also caused great concern. Everything went according to the rebels’ plan. Although the Romans outnumbered the rebels, the three Roman legions 17, 18 and 19 as well as three cavalry detachments (alae) and six auxiliary cohorts were annihilated. Only a few persons were able to escape. The inexperienced civilians however had the least chance of surviving.
The news of Varus’ defeat caused a shock in Rome because of the high number of casualties. Emperor Augustus was taken aback about it, although this was not the first time that he had lost many soldiers. He asked himself whether Germania was worth the effort and how far one should go. His first action was to send Tiberius to take command at the river Rhine. Tiberius along with Germanicus arrived in Germania in 10 AD. In the following year more battles took place. The Germanic troops did not seem to make any concessions. In 12 AD Tiberius was granted celebrations in Rome on the occasion of the Pannonian victory.
In 14 AD Emperor Augustus died unexpectedly. His adopted stepson Tiberius was appointed as his successor. Tiberius continued to employ Germanicus in the troubled “province” in the north. Germanicus along with Caecina Severus left the Rhine to enter further into Germania in 15 AD. Germanicus passed through the land of the Chatti and subdued them. He then went to help the pro-Roman Cheruscan Segestes who was besieged and had called for help. In the course of his liberation Thusnelda, Arminius’ pregnant wife, fell into the hands of the Romans. They took her to Rome as a prisoner. When Germanicus arrived at the place of the Varus Battle, he told his men to collect and then bury the soldiers’ mortal remains which were still lying around. They did not have a lot of time for this because the Germanic troops were already attacking again. Consequently, the retreat from Germania was difficult and many soldiers were injured or lost their lives.
Germanicus, however, did not acknowledge defeat and returned to Germania with his army and an armed transport fleet. Once again, there was a tough battle with a high number of casualties. The situation was worsened by severe autumn storms during the retreat. Nevertheless, Germanicus was able to recapture two of the legions’ aquilas which had been seized during the Varus Battle. Emperor Tiberius was of the opinion that further action in Germania would be pointless and therefore relieved Germanicus permanently from office in 16 AD. In spite of the dubious victories in Germania, a triumph was organised in honour of Germanicus in the following year. Cheruscan prisoners, like Arminius’ wife and his little son, who was born in captivity, were paraded through the streets of Rome. The historian Strabon also mentions the presence of Thusnelda’s father Segestes who participated as an official guest, loyal to the Roman Empire. He watched as his two children, his grandson and further Germanic hostages known to him were paraded.
The Romans subsequently retreated to the Rhine and concentrated on securing this border. However, there were still many contacts between the Romans and the Germanic tribes, e.g. through trading. The Romans were no longer interested anymore in conquering the Germanic regions on the eastern side of the Rhine: The anticipated benefit was not worth the effort and trouble
The Roman Army
Legions, alae and cohorts
© www.kalkriese-varusschlacht.de
The Roman Army was a complex entity consisting of many subunits which were restructured and reformed several times throughout the course of history. For example, in Augustan times the Germanic troops were an integral part of the Roman Army, whereas in Caesarian times they were independent and autonomous combat units of allied tribes.
The military units which are described hereafter focus on the time of the Emperor Augustus in order to explain the events of the Varus Battle. The characterised military units are the ones which were stationed in Germania under Varus’ command and which occur repeatedly in descriptions
The Myth Arminius – Hermann
…amongst science, artistic license and political consideration
© from Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Herrmann-von-Vorne.JPG
Since the 16th century, the image of a typical Germanic man was utilised to convey contemporary political issues and, at the same time, to create a related atmosphere which expressed a long – and justifying – tradition. It was rather the contemporary imagination and fashions which influenced the way the Germanic people were perceived, rather than scientifically based knowledge about their way of living, their clothes et cetera.
The first illustrations of the Germanic people - which were widely spread and which influenced the subsequent art - significantly do not originate from the Germanic people but from Roman artists. They manifested their view of the tribes in the North of the Empire who were either supposed to be conquered or were already allies. Thus they created a repertoire of forms which was later taken up again or changed. In these illustrations, the Germanic people were usually presented as the vanquished. They were obviously non- Romans apparent in their clothing and hairstyle. In view of the much cited fact that they were either naked or just partly dressed, they seemed to be not only »barbaric«, but also strong and serious opponents. It was deemed a military success – worthy of celebrating a victory march - to defeat these enemies.
After the decline of the Roman Empire, the image of the Germanic people did not play such an important role in medieval times. Only when Tacitus’ »Germania« and his »Annals« were printed again at the end of the 15th century the Germanic people were remembered as the opponents of the Roman Empire. This awakened the alleged descendants’s interest. Subsequently, the rebellious Cheruscan was uniformly and positively appreciated which shows how willingly and uncritically these texts were perceived. In his »Annals«, Tacitus celebrated Arminius as the »liberator of Germania« who had been courageous enough to »challenge the Roman Empire which was in full bloom«. According to him, he was »not always victorious in particular battles, but undefeated in war«. He was therefore a real hero and one expected that emulating him would bring honour.
In this manner the figure »Arminius« – Martin Luther presumably named him »Hermann«-started to appear in literature and its illustrations in the 16th century. Arminius’ character was used both as an educational example and as a model which could be associated with apparently comparable political, contemporary situations. The Cheruscan was presented in book illustrations wearing a traditional costume of the 16th century. Small invented details or inscriptions were added to reveal his Germanic identity. The threatening Romans would either represent an oppressing territorial lord or the pope, against whom one had to defend one’s interests.
Arminius appears as a Free Imperial Knight equipped with contemporary armour in Burchard Waldis’ »rhymed chronicle«. Just like David who carries Goliath’s disembodied head, Arminius holds the hairs of Varus’ head in his right hand while raising the bare sword with his left hand. Together with eleven other, mostly invented heroes of the German history, he is part of a gallery of characters who personify the undivided unity of the German Empire. They were supposed to remind the quarrelling territorial lords of the German Empire and how important the unity was, especially when faced with the menacing Turkish conquest.
The first part of Daniel Caspar Lohenstein’s novel »Arminius und Thusnelda« was published in 1689. Roman and Germanic people are displayed in the illustrations made by Johann Jacob von Sandrart. They wear fanciful costumes which were either based on the Roman historians’ descriptions or which imaginatively added detail to the unknown. A winged helmet often appears in this context as a Germanic characteristic. A »Germanic leader« had worn this helmet on an illustration made by Simon de Vries’ in 1616. Since the 17th century, it developed to be the most-cited Germanic characteristic in the following centuries, although there is no historic basis for this detail.
Lohenstein’s novel was dedicated to King Leopold I. who was probably impersonated in the hero of the novel. The contemporary noble readers apparently seemed to take a fancy to the dedication, »In honour of the German nobility and to their laudable successors« as well as to the exotic, entertaining style of his baroque illustrations. After 42 years a second edition was published. In 1772 the Fürstenberg porcelain manufacture produced a series of Germanic figurines which imitated the above-mentioned illustrations.
A range of dramas, operas, songs and poems which dealt with Arminius’ fight against the Romans were released in the second half of the 18th century. They particularly focused on the position of the aristocrats – Arminius was also considered to have been noble – in contrast to their subjects. This distance was clearly expressed in the contemporary illustrations. The common people had plain, sometimes even poor clothes, whereas their leader’s clothing demonstrated courtly splendour. In addition to this, their lowly position in the tribal society was expressed by illustrating a genuflection or a bowed back.
In order to strengthen the position of the territorial lords, the emphasis was put on the aristocratic supremacy which seemingly was based on a long tradition since the early Germanic days. Optionally, Arminius could either be interpreted as a liberator and unifying personality of the Germanic tribes, or as an appeal to strengthen the Habsburg Imperial power – or the power of an ambitious prince like Frederick the Great of Prussia. A different view appeared simultaneously to this interpretation of the events. The illustrations in Klopstock’s »Hermanns Schlacht« put on stage by Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki in 1782 show - in accordance with the description – an Arminius-Hermann who is capable of prioritising the virtue of love for children as opposed to his heroism and who thereby provided a potential identification for the bourgeoisie. Pictures which represented this fundamental idea would show an Arminius who did not externally differ from his followers. The former great distance was succeeded by a new closeness which made it easier to empathise with the hero.
In 1782 Johann Heinrich Tischbein the Elder illustrated a noble Arminius holding court. In contrast to this, Wilhelm Tischbein interpreted Arminius as a devoted family father wearing rather plain clothes, who - with his chin raised - defends his wife, children and father with an uplifted sword and a protecting shield against an invisible danger. This matched the basic feeling of the Biedermeier time when people withdrew to their private lives after belligerent periods.
At the end of the 19th century, at the time of the foundation of Bismarck’s German Empire, the illustration of the subject changed fundamentally. Unlike the previously favoured scenes with selected individuals, epical pictures of battles occurred. They would decorate public buildings and were supposed to pedagogically celebrate the »birth of the nation« by providing the necessary historical basis.
The completion of the Hermann monument in Detmold in the year 1875 is also due to the foundation of the Empire. Without the latter, there probably would not have been an initiative to raise the much-needed funds. The inauguration ceremony was a homage to the absolutistic Wilhelmine Imperial House. The commemorative plaque for William I. manifested the monarch’s identification with the monumentally inflated »national hero« who raised his sword towards the »French hereditary enemy«.
At the time of the National Socialism (1933 - 1945) , the state and the leading party were particularly interested in the Germanic history. It was idealised and exploited in order to provide a destination for those who were looking for an identity and a legitimacy. The rulers even tried to revitalise the self-created founding myth and the system which allegedly was behind it. I.e. they built »Thing« places and unsuccessfully invited the population to use them, in a Germanic style, for theatre plays and choral events, et cetera. The myth itself continued to be a means to an end. Pictures were also utilised. Hermann, mostly in the shape of the Hermann memorial, could be seen on postcards with ideologic slogans or on the front pages of National Socialist societies. The purpose was to put their own actions into a traditional context by referring to history.
After the break-up of National Socialism the Hermann myth did not play a significant role anymore. The only Germanic figures which appeared were comic characters and Asterix the Gaul could easily cope with these. They could also be seen on paper bags from bakeries, with croissant helmets on their heads and raising baguettes rather than swords for advertising purposes. Hermann had to leave the political sphere and was sent back to science. He regained his traditional name »Arminius«. Political connotation has obviously gone; emancipation from the clutches of the early days seems to have been successful
Book recommendations on the Varus Battle
Varus Battle
Joachim Harnecker
Arminius, Varus and the Battlefield at Kalkriese. An íntroduction to the archaeological investigations and their results.
Rasch Verlag, Bramsche 2004
Rainer Wiegels (Hrsg.)
Die Varusschlacht. Wendepunkt der Geschichte?
Theiss Verlag, Stuttgart 2007
Germanic tribes
Ernst Künzl
Die Germanen
Theiss Verlag, Stuttgart 2006
Herwig Wolfram
Die Germanen
Verlag C. H. Beck, 8. überarbeitete Auflage, München 2005
Romans and Roman military
Marcus Junkelmann
Die Legionen des Augustus
Der römische Soldat im archäologischen Experiment.
Verlag Philipp von Zabern, Mainz 1986
Marcus Junkelmann
Die Reiter Roms
Teil I: Reise, Jagd, Triumph und Circusrennen
Teil II. Der militärische Einsatz
Teil III: Zubehör, Reitweise, Bewaffnung
Verlag Philipp von Zabern, Mainz 3. Auflage 1998
Marcus Junkelmann
Panis militaris
Die Ernährung des römischen Soldaten oder der Grundstoff der Macht
Verlag Philipp von Zabern, Mainz 2. Auflage 1997
Myth Hermann - history of reception
Gesa von Essen
Hermannsschlachten.
Germanen- und Römerbilder in der Literatur des 18. und 19. Jahrhunderts
Wallstein Verlag, Göttingen 1998
Rainer Wiegels - Winfried Woesler (Hrsg.)
Arminius und die Varusschlacht.
Geschichte - Mythos - Literatur
Verlag Ferdinand Schöningh, Paderborn 1995
Info
VARUSSCHLACHT im Osnabrücker Land GmbH - Museum und Park Kalkriese
Venner Straße 69
D - 49565 Bramsche-Kalkriese
Tel. +49 5468 9204-200
Fax +49 5468 9204-45
E-mail: kontakt@kalkriese-varusschlacht.de
E-mail: fuehrungen@kalkriese-varusschlacht.de
Fees
Adults: 9,00 €
Reduced fee: 6,00 €
Families: 20,00 €
Opening hours and guided tours
Until May 14th, 2009
The museum will be closed due to reconstruction work. The museum shop inside the new visitor center is open daily from 10:00 am thru 5:00 pm from Good Friday onward. While the museum is closed, the park can be visited free of charge. Please also check our calendar of events during this period. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the above-mentioned address.
On May 15th, 2009 the new permanent exhibition and the special exhibition CONFLICT open. On that day, the museum will be open to visitors from 4:00 pm thru 8:00 pm.
Approximately ninety-minute long guided tours of the new permanent exhibition start at 4:00, 4:30, 5:00 and 5:30 pm. From 4:00 pm until 7:30 pm, thirty-minute introductions to the special exhibition KONFLIKT are offered, beginning on the half and full hour.
All guided tours are free of charge.
Saturday, May 16th, 2009
The museum is open from 9:00 am thru 8:00 pm.
Approximately ninety-minute long guided tours of the new permanent exhibition start at 3:00, 3:30, 4:00 and 4:30 pm. From 9:30 am until 7:30 pm, thirty-minute introductions to the special exhibition KONFLIKT are offered, beginning on the half and full hour.
All guided tours are free of charge.
Sunday, May 17th, 2009 – International Museum Day
The museum is open from 9:00 am thru 6:00 pm.
Approximately ninety-minute long guided tours of the new permanent exhibition start at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 3:00 and 4:00 pm. From 9:30 am until 4:30 pm, thirty-minute introductions to the special exhibition KONFLIKT are offered, beginning on the half and full hour.
All guided tours are free of charge.
May 18th until October 25th, 2009
Open daily 9:00 am thru 6:00 pm, Saturdays 9:00 thru 8:00 pm.
Guided tours (permanent exhibition) take place daily at 3:00 pm.
Guided tours (permanent exhibition) take place on Sundays and public holidays at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.
Cover charge: EUR 2.00 per person in addition to the regular entrance fee.
From 9:30 am until 4:00 pm, thirty-minute introductions to the special exhibition KONFLIKT are offered, beginning on the half and full hour.
Cover charge: EUR 1.00 per person in addition to the regular entrance fee.
From October 26 th, 2009
Closed on Mondays, open Tuesday until Sunday 10:00 am thru 5:00 pm.
Guided tours take place daily at 3:00 pm.
Guided tours take place on Sundays and public holidays at 11:00 and 3:00 pm.
The museum is closed on the 24th and the 31st of December.
Admission charges 16th of May to 25th of October 2009
Day Ticket permanent exhibition and exhibition CONFLICT
Adults, regular >> 9,00 Euro
Reduced >> 6,00 Euro
School students >> 5,00 Euro (guided tour included)
Families with children >> 20,00 Euro
Annual ticket for two adults with children up to 16 years of age >> 50,00 €
Individual annual ticket >> 25,00 €
The annual ticket for Museum and Park includes entrance fees for all daytime events (9:00am to 6:00pm, Saturdays to 8:00pm). In 2009 this includes among other the Roman and Germanic days (11th till 14th June 2009) and three performances of the musical »Kleiner Germane in Rom« (17th, 18th and 19th June 2009).
Admission charges 26th of October to 30th of December 2009
Day Ticket permanent exhibition
Adults, regular >> 7,00 Euro
Reduced >> 4,00 Euro
School students >> 5,00 Euro (guided tour included)
Families with children >> 16,00 Euro
Annual ticket for two adults with children up to 16 years of age >> 50,00 €
Individual annual ticket >> 25,00 €
Admission charges for three museums
Combined ticket »EMPIRE CONFLICT MYTH. 2000 Years Varus Battle«
in Haltern, Kalkriese and Detmold
Adults, regular >> 18,00 €
Reduced >> 12,00 €
Families with children >> 40,00 €
Holiday package
The Tourist association of the Osnabrück region has prepared travel options for groups and individuals for 2009. The three-day-trip will take you on the first day to Haltern, the second day to Kalkriese and on the third day to Detmold including two overnight-stays in the Osnabrück region. A more detailed description of this offer may be downloaded as PDF-file. In case of further questions please contact the information and reservation service of the Osnabrück region Tel.:++ 49 (0) 541 -9511195.
info@historiavivens.eu
