In 9 AD, Publius Quinctilius Varus led three Roman legions into an ambush in the Teutoburg Forest in Germania. Following a trusted German guide named Arminius, his forces were destroyed over the period of 3 days and nights in the wooded paths and bogs of the Teutoburg where the Germanic tribes had prepared to fight the Romans. I don't know about you but I don't plan on doing any camping in the Teutoburg anytime soon. You never know who might still be there and looking for a little revenge.
They were led beyond the edge of an known world. They and their treasured Eagle standard were never seen again...RIP
ReplyDelete"Publius Quinctilius Varus, give me back my legions" is what Emperor Augustus was supposed to have cried as he paced his palace night after night upon receiving news of the destruction of the 3 legions in Germania. Arminius, nicknamed "Herman the German" by an anonymous wag, spent years in the Roman army, knew their tactics inside and out, making it easy for his forces to ambush and annihilate them.
ReplyDeleteCool painting, Brain. You should do more historically based work like this.
Thank you Mr. beer! I have painted the lost legion a number of times. Arminius was indeed a clever fellow. I do enjoy working on historically based paintings and have a few in mind for future works. Specifically the Battle of Clontarf in Ireland and the death of Brian Boru. Coming soon to a blog near you!
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