The New Student's Reference Work/Arminius

Armin'ius, prince of the Cherusci, a German tribe, was born about 18 B. C., and died by assassination in 21 A. D. When a boy he became a Roman citizen and served as a soldier in the Roman army. Coming home, he found the whole country stirred up by the cruelties of Varus, the Roman governor, and became the head of a conspiracy. He induced the Roman general to scatter his troops in small detachments, saying that it would keep better order among the Germans. News of the conspiracy caused Varus to march into the interior. Arminius struck the match, the scattered Roman troops were murdered, and the main body was surrounded. They fought their way for three days, till they were killed almost to a man, Varus taking his own life. Rome was filled with shame. The Emperor Augustus kept crying for days: "Varus, give me back my legions!" Germanicus marched against the Cherusci, but accomplished nothing. The next year he marched again with 80,000 men and a fleet; Arminius artfully led him into narrow passes, then, falling upon him, cut off his cavalry, almost destroyed four legions and forced him to retreat. The next year the undaunted Germanicus came with 100,000 men and 1,000 ships. On a plain called No-man's Meadow a great battle was fought. The Germans were beaten, but the next morning they fought again and compelled the Romans to retreat. No Roman army ever again marched beyond the Rhine, and Arminius is therefore justly called the German Liberator.