Avenging Varus - The Fate of Arminius and Germanicus (17 AD)

We conclude the epic Avenging Saga with the tale of the fate of Arminius and Germanicus. You can learn more about the history of eastern europe through our sponsor.. Signup for your FREE trial to Wondrium here: ow.ly/aufe30rDCQs
This history documentary is a continuation of our Avenging Varus series.
The Roman Army of Germanicus finally broke the back of the Germanic army of Arminius at the Battle of the Angrivarian Wall in 16 AD. With two massive losses back to back, the tribes of the north now finally began peace talks while Arminius and his closest companions slunk away to lick their wounds. The following year was looking to be another massive showdown between Germanicus and Arminius. However a letter from Emperor Tiberius declared an end to the fighting, drawing a line in the sand which would define the fate of the region for centuries to come. In the aftermath we follow the fates of Arminius and Germanicus.
Be sure to check out these other history documentary episodes from our Avenging Varus series which covers the prior chapters of the Roman Germanic War:
Avenging Varus Part 1 - Campaigns of Tiberius (10-14 AD)
Avenging Varus Part 2 - Campaigns of Germanicus (14-15 AD)
Avenging Varus Part 3 - Battle of the Long Bridges (15 AD)
Avenging Varus Part 4 - Battle of Idistaviso (16 AD)
Avenging Varus Part 5 - Battle of the Angrivarian Wall (16 AD)
Bibliography and Suggested Reading:
"Campaigns of Germanicus, 13-16 AD" by Ilkka Syvänne
"The Annals" by Cornelius Tacitus
"Roman Soldier Vs Germanic Warrior: 1st Century AD" by Osprey Publishing
"In the Name of Rome" by Adrian Goldsworthy
Research: Chris Das Neves and Eric Tenwolde
Writing: Chris Das Neves
Narration: Invicta
Production: Penta Limited
#Rome
#History
#Documentary

[@InvictaHistory]

A huge thanks to everyone for supporting us and a big shoutout to the artists for knocking it out of the park with their work. You can support them directly through the art store where they will be uploading all kinds of awesome content: printerpanther.com/collections/invicta

[@stetsonbullock5113]

One of my fav youtubers dawg

[@amfa42]

@invicta what happened ?! I was expecting this video for Saturday breakfast! haha 😄 As always: great video!

[@lakshmipraveen8734]

Hi sir, would you like to make video on Achaemenid Empire like like Alexander The Great Documentation which was Blockbuster, if say 'yes' that would make me cool as i am History lover. Thank you sir!!!

[@TheCreatorII]

Hey, great video. However, I noticed a small, yet entertaining, spelling mistake at 10:54 on the benefits of the triumph.

[@kajolet]

huge pubic morale boost ^^ 10:49

[@TannerSwizel]

If Germanicus had succeeded the throne and died less suspiciously, I think Caligula would have been a much more sane ruler

[@alejandrosakai1744]

But Germanicus' son became a insane Emperor!

[@wisdomleader85]

It's hard to say.

[@TannerSwizel]

@@wisdomleader85 that it is!

[@TannerSwizel]

@@ii121 Philo and Seneca are the only contemporaries of Caligula I know of that have surviving literature, both paint him in a dim light, although Seneca was definitely biased against him. The historians that wrote about him in the decades after his passing relied on texts from other contemporaries that no longer have surviving work. Cassius Dio and Suetonius both paint Caligula in a dim light. There isn't any surviving evidence whether that be first hand, secondary, or tertiary evidence I can think of that backs your claim. If you have sources that debunk Caligula's commonly agreed upon mental state I would love to know them.

[@michaeldunne338]

Wouldn't one of the older son's have likely become Emperor instead, in such a counterfactual? Not sure they would divide the Empire like Constantine's sons did, but maybe they would have had some co-Emperor system? All food for counterfactual thought ...

[@starbreeze7249]

Well, I'm glad Germanicus got to see all the historic sites that people of history nerd over to this day before he died, and how beloved he was by everyone

[@male272]

10:55 'Huge PUBIC morale boost'...best unintentional laugh of the day for me...

[@AyCe]

I mean, it's basically just all about that, no?

[@dontmindme5189]

I noticed this as well. Lol still a great documentary but damn.

[@ezekielbrockmann114]

I hear 'public' quite clearly.

[@cristhianramirez6939]

I am sure Germanicus had access to pubics too

[@ericbarry9105]

@@ezekielbrockmann114 Read the fine print

[@Turgon_]

It is quite sad to see that both Germanicus and Arminius, rivals and heroes to their respective peoples, died before the age of 40 far from the battlefield.

[@marseldagistani1989]

Blame that Viper Livia

[@franciscorodriguez2457]

I consider my self a roman citizen born and raised in Spain hispania it took the legions 200 years to submit hispania and yes they did hispania gave 3 emperors to the empire I am proud to be a Roman long live rome

[@rimshot2270]

@@franciscorodriguez2457 They were probably of Italian descent.

[@TimL1980]

well... in the case of Germanicus he didn't get close enough to die on the battlefield... roman strategy always was to plunder rape and threaten women and children. Their "bravery was just enough to advance on open fields if they were able to deploy their artillery.... a bit like someone else 2000years later in a forest near Aachen where boys and old men commanded a killing ratio of 20:1 until they were showered in artillery fire the cowards brought forward.

[@MrBubblecake]

@@franciscorodriguez2457Bro the Roman’s were from Italy not from Spain. Stop trynna claim our culture lol

[@awesomehpt8938]

Germanicus the emperor that never was 😭. Good night sweet Prince.

[@NodDisciple1]

And started the path of Calligula's madness. Because of the death of his daddy and him being forced to be raised by the demented murderer of his father.

[@tiberiuscave4617]

@@NodDisciple1 Tiberius was certainly not demented, nor, by all the accounts, he murdered Germanicus.

[@jonbaxter2254]

He was the Latin Alexander

[@Crafty_Spirit]

Sweet prince? I hope you are being sarcastic 🤣

[@marseldagistani1989]

@@tiberiuscave4617 it could have been Livia Drusilla who ordered the assassination of Germanicus

[@Campfire_Bandit]

This has been one of the most unique and enjoyable historical sagas I've ever watched. I have such appreciation for the commitment and effort that had to be put in to create this.

[@youvebeengreeked]

Hoc Est Bellum does Mycale, Invicta does Arminius and Germanicus, Eastern Roman History does Carausius, and HistoryMarche does Majorian. All in one day. ... Beautiful. *:')*

[@freedombro6502]

Ita a beautiful thing, what a time to be alive and learning

[@hobyking6655]

What a crazy well-made series Thank you so much for this series

[@HistoryOfRevolutions]

"The most worthless of mankind are not afraid to condemn in others the same disorders which they allow in themselves; and can readily discover some nice difference in age, character, or station, to justify the partial distinction" - Edward Gibbon

[@Grenaden86]

This whole series is a great. I am now a subscriber. As a romanophile who has studied world history for 21 years I tip my hat to you guys. Great work! 😎👍

[@ianjohngonzales4066]

Which do you think was a more exciting movie "The Eagle" or "The Lost Legion"?

[@OmegaLittleBob]

Germanicus’ early death definitely feels like one of those crossroads of history moments, where things could have gone very differently if he had become Emperor

[@markmuller7962]

Reminiscent of Alexander the Great isn't it

[@witchhazel4135]

​@@derrickbridges2611Everyone.

[@armygrunt13]

I've so much enjoyed this series, and I thank you for all the time and effort put into this project! The first book I ever wrote, "Soldier of Rome: The Legionary", covers the campaigns of Germanicus and the avenging of Varus. However, my book ends with the Triumph in Rome. I knew very little about Germanicus' exploits in the east over the next two years, so this was doubly fascinating for me. Also, I never believed the stories that Tiberius had a hand in Germanicus' demise. That made absolutely no sense. Germanicus was extremely competent, had immense charisma, and he was loyal. In short, he made Tiberius look good, and the Emperor had already named him his heir, giving precedence over his own son, Drusus. And to think that Germanicus was father of Gaius Caligula, regarded as one of the worst Emperors in Roman history. Plus, he was the elder brother of Emperor Claudius, who is revered as one of the best of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty.

[@LegioXXI]

Germanicus dying after just 2 years of Arminiu's death really reminds me of Scipio Africanus, who also died not long after Hannibal.

[@Arbiter099]

Bit similar also to Patton dying not long after WW2

[@Xfire209]

You got the order of deaths wrong. Germanicus died 2 years before Arminius died

[@publiusscipioafricanus6475]

I'm alive, because *Legends* never die

[@etorawa9367]

Emperor Tiberius: "Piso bring me back my Germanicus!"

[@elexirghutz9540]

10:42 Huge "PUBIC" morale boost, I think is a typo.

[@marcleblanc5020]

I noticed the same

[@joshuaiam485]

Naah..it's so they don't be revolting all the time..makes sense

[@Taistelukalkkuna]

Why yes indeed. Legionaires would surely got lots of booty in celebrations.

[@elexirghutz9540]

@@marcleblanc5020 😄

[@elexirghutz9540]

@@Taistelukalkkuna 😁

[@av7610]

What an amazing series! Thank you for all of your time and effort dedicated to putting this together. I’m looking forward to your next series.

[@indostylo09]

Absolutely fantastic series. I'm very grateful for your work and effort.

[@zeamagogu4029]

Beautiful series. One of your best so far. Good job. 👍

[@TheBassmanCharlie]

Man, these more narrative-driven series are some of your finest work, keep it up!

[@aa-qx7je]

I truly enjoyed these series. Thank you!

[@Mulambdaline1]

You’re a great sorry teller, I love the Avenging Varus series!

[@Raccoon_A]

Thank you for this series.

[@anakinvader9120]

LOVED THIS SERIES. MY FAVORITE BY FAR

[@thurmanis1]

Thank you, amazing work as always!

[@patrickdc8396]

Your Avenging Varus series has been excellent, really one of the best so far, together with History Marche's Hannibal. Hats off to you

[@CherRov]

From Total war to one of the best history channel. Love your works Invicta.

[@val4utube]

Thank you so much for your work. I am glad to fully understand English and being able to enjoy such wonderful documentaries.

[@owenmichaels8220]

Incredible series. Well done!!

[@alexconti7932]

So cool to have these ancient stories come to light in such an entertaining way.

[@david.panart]

You are doing such an excellent job. Making learning such a daily pleasure we basically keep yearning for !

[@vennb1137]

I just love those series of yours! Hope I'll be able to watch them again some time later.

[@marceljoubert5738]

Fantastic work as always!

[@anderssvensk4317]

Fantastic history and very well produced. You made an excellent video with outstanding quality. 👏 👍

[@theborg6024]

loved this series man, cant wait for the next one

[@norad1]

Job well done, this was such a fun series to watch!

[@stevendepauw3742]

Awesome series, i learned allot and i enjoyed it. Very well done indeed!

[@PosyLubelak]

Yes yes yes thank you! Love the channel and that series wooooow!!!

[@andremesot5144]

TY very much ! What a wonderful work ! TY so much !

[@Axgoodofdunemaul]

Many thanks to everybody who worked on this.

[@Jack-xd1bd]

This series has been so good I'm sad to see it come to an end

[@rockybeats8682]

Really enjoyed this series!

[@joanalegrecanton1574]

So amazing this video list, I enjoyed it a lot,. Thanks a bunch!

[@rogersledz6793]

Thank you so much for uploading this video. It is helping me get through the pandemic!

[@wildcatoutdoors]

Can you imagine the terror of his young son being paraded through the streets of your enemies while they cheered...no telling the horrors visited upon his mother

[@Shamboo79]

This series was amazing. Ty

[@Shamboo79]

Caligula’s dad. Holy shit

[@johnharris5975]

Love the channel, you do a great job.

[@zubi4570]

That was a very good series Invicta very well done!

[@FirstOfTheMagi]

Top tier video as always!

[@zacs148]

awesome series!! couldnt wait for the last episode

[@hitrapperandartistdababy]

I wonder how Germanicus could have been as an emperor. By the standards of the time he seemed like a pretty cool person to be around. I would guess it says quite alot that he could meet with the Parthian King, and distribute control in the east with very little issue.

[@tylerdurden3722]

Germanicus was groomed meticulously by Tiberius to become Emperor as soon as possible. Tiberius never wanted to be Emperor and went to great lengths to avoid it. But, while Augustus was alive, all the other alternative relatives were assassinated. So Tiberius groomed more alternatives, declared himself a private citizen and retired from politics. But these individuals were assassinated as well and Augustus forced Tiberius to divorce the love of his life and become his successor. Then Tiberius groomed new replacements, so he could retire early. Germanicus was one of these attempts. It's the reason why Germanicus achieved everything at such a young age. Tiberius fast tracked his grooming. In those early days of the empire, the new "Emperor" still had to run for offices and take part in elections...and had to build up offices one by one to accumulate power. And he had to do this before his ascension to get a headstart. It took Augustus and Tiberius a lifetime to accumulate these political offices. Hence why grooming of a viable successor was required. When Germanicus died, Tiberius became even more depressed and dispised Roman politics even more and isolated himself on the island of Capri. More of his potential groomlings were assassinated. By this time, Tiberius was in a dark place, and managed to successfully groom his last viable remaining relative as an act of final revenge...in the form of Caligula.

[@michaeldunne338]

Nice concluding clip to the series on avenging Varus.

[@starkilr101]

I’ve been looking forward to this

[@shaundavenport621]

Excellent! Thankyou.

[@loecorristo555]

Thank you Invicta!

[@onetwothreefourfive12345]

I am so impressed every time by how quickly you can produce these exceptionally high quality videos. Other channels just cannot compete. Well done

[@wosaroxxxk7574]

I gnow I´m a year late but this series was amazing. what great entertainment for a long weekend. Thank you for this truly amazing peace of art.

[@roy-julienanthony343]

Great work really, thank you.

[@ichotolot9616]

What a great series!

[@ernestnunez803]

Was entertained from 14-17 historical context. Thank you.

[@pedrobariani]

Congrats !!! Fantastic !!!

[@interestinglife934]

I really enjoyed this video. It is indeed not something that I knew much about. Thanks a lot!

[@NitrogenPurged]

Dude just watched the series. Soooo happy I found this channel.

[@mos4396]

I was waiting for this👍

[@Aspectt1991]

Thank you for all your work, greetings from Chile!

[@egoborder3203]

great series!

[@matthewct8167]

That was incredible!

[@alexpeterson703]

brilliant series

[@gregwiens9146]

Great story telling

[@simoneales2568]

Great job !!

[@MissyLaMotte]

Thank you for this series. I am currently writing a novel about Thusnelda, so I am doing a lot of research, and these brief but very thorough videos were both entertaining and helpful. Actually, I just visited Kalkriese two days ago, the place where the battle of the Teutoburg Forest most likely happened and I am currently staying at the Weser river, where the remains of a Roman summer camp have been found, which has been dated to have belonged either to Varus' legions or to those of Germanicus (probably on the way to the battle of Idistaviso, which must have happened somewhere a bit north of here.

[@weloveTM123]

I would love to read it once you're done.

[@jimsjacob]

The Glory of Rome! Love educational content like this. High regard for all the effort put into creating this presentation.

[@AhmedFathy-lt6wl]

This was an amazing series. Thank you! Could you please make a video about Caligula, comparing different sources of his reign, and the how modern historians view them as true or exaggerated?

[@Futile647]

You and King and Generals are my favorites channels much ❤

[@jupp9999]

awesome series

[@OliverClark31770]

Great end to a great series! Really enjoyed the journey and the teaser about Caligula at the end. Plus, of course, the typographic Easter eggs: "pubic morale" is the best!

[@pbibbles]

Thank you for detailing Germanicus' life after Tuetoburg. It seems like all of the videos I've watched gloss over it, as they rush to get to the story of Caligula.

[@Juanhop]

Awsome. Congrats.

[@Solon1581]

11:13 That particular detail about the triumph is only supported by one primary source, the triumph of Marcus Aurelius, so it's very possible that it was an addition by him(Because let's face it, it's a very Marcus Aurelius thing to do).

[@harriehausenman8623]

Pubic morale boosting the engagement. Nice! :-)

[@anbu-tenzoobito8544]

Great Job!

[@JamesAce]

I have asked for this a number of times so here, dear invicta i would be extremely interested in a video that focusus on the Frisi or the frisii. they are the only "tribe" that still exist, has an own province, an own language and an strong cultural heritage. I come across a lot of content where they are passingly mentioned but have yet to find a deep dive in theyre history. With regards yours truly a loving viewer' might this comment find you well

[@alucard347]

Second that, would be interesting to see more.

[@misterkillerpig]

Great series

[@bf2forever]

Loved it!

[@alejandrosakai1744]

Well if you asking of what happened to Thusnelda's son, He was send to an Gladiatorial Ludus and he died on an Gladiatorial fight

[@denniseggert211]

That is not backed up, the fate of them is unkown. Tacitus only wrote that Thumelicus grew up in Ravenna and that he would report on their fate "at a proper time". However if he ever finished a writing on them is uncertain, at least it was not found.

[@tiberiuscave4617]

@@denniseggert211 The fate of her son would have probably been related in the lost portion of the Annales.

[@Swampchicken]

Honest question: if the Romans kept getting their fleets destroyed by storms, why did they keep sailing?

[@theholyinquisition389]

Because supplying an army as large as that of Germanicus purely via overland routes that deep into Germania was very difficult if not outright impossible.

[@sjonnieplayfull5859]

Because they could not march across the seabed

[@mar71n32n0v1lLL0]

Because they had curb-stomped any and all troglodites who dared challenge them, some multiple times, like Carthage. Therefore, if any one of their former, current or potential future enemies realized allmighty Rome was too scared to sail, their monopoly would've been greatly reduced, and they could actually face serious economical and military threats...

[@axis367]

Finally new video 😊

[@amalali4844]

The Avenging Varus Series has been highly amazing overall

[@nicklindberg90]

Thanks for the Halloween upload!

[@Docl-zw5zm]

only one word, beautiful!!! thanks for all the series of germanicus and arminius, germanicus was the improve version of julius caesar a realshame the fate that touched him but like always, great men don't last long

[@byronofrothdale]

Where are my eagles, Varus!? One of my favourite lines of "I, Claudius".

[@randomfunny3506]

Amazing video !

[@christopherthrawn1333]

Excellent work Gentlemen

[@angelostriandos6659]

Good job !

[@andrewhawking7893]

What an amazing end to the great series! This was so profoundly well made, it's painful to understand that the series have ended. If in future, you could uncover the story of Nero, that would be a treat.

[@the_severus2859]

Can you make a series about the Claudian Invasion of Britain at some point? There seems to be almost no content about it to be found on this platform...

[@patrickdc8396]

This would be a great subject or the Marcomanni wars, or more Marius and Sulla!

[@sergioacevedo2254]

Yes please, that would be great!

[@sololistquake]

Brilliant

[@maddokmike5760]

This work is amazing! Been a big of the channel since your 5 part battle of Cannae vids. What about video series on the early days of Rome as they conquered italy. Maybe a video on when the Gauls nearly sacked Room. I think it was ~300bc

[@---yw9dl]

Great series, I'd love to see one dedicated to the conflict between Vlad Tepes and Mehmet II!

[@ragael1024]

good job of making me cry for someone i've never met :(