Germania The Battle Against Rome Documentary (1:33:00)

A documentary video (1 hour and 33 minutes)about the battle of the Teutoberg Forest (9 AD), where three Roman Legions commanded by Publius Quinctilius Varus, were completely destroyed by a coalition of German Tribes led by Hermann. By 9 AD the Romans had conquered a large part of the ancient world. But its attempts to move into "Germania" a land inhabited by a large number of Germanic tribes, which were constantly at war with each other eventually failed. Some tribes had either sided with the Romans, or had submitted to them. Some of these tribes were forced to offer up hostages to Rome, and after a Roman education in Rome were expected to be loyal to Rome in consequence. One of these hostages was Hermann, also known as Arminius (his Roman name). Hermann had seen how the Romans fought, and had noted their strengths and weaknesses. He then plotted to overthrow the Romans, by secretly organising a coalition of German tribes to rebel. A rebellion broke out and three Roman legions with cavalry and auxillaries (about 25,000 men) were sent out to suppress it. Luring the Roman Army into the deep forests, Hermann knew that the Romans were at a severe disadvantage. The rebellion was false, the reports being fabricated by Hermann. In the woods, the Roman legions,  auxillaries, cavalry, waggons and a large number of camp followers, were stretched about 10 miles. In this situation, the Germans attacked, showering the Romans with short spears (fremae). Attempting to escape during the night, the Romans marched into another trap set by Hermann. The Roman cavalry attempted to escape, but were overtaken and defeated by the German cavalry. Then the German infantry attacked and defeated the remaining Roman forces. The Roman Army was completely destroyed. The battle of the Teutoburg Forest was one of the most decisive battles in history and a turning point in world history.