However, they did manage to increase their number for the final battle at Kalkriese Hill in the Teutoburg Forest. The book is all about battles between the Germans and the Romans, and how the Germans ultimately won.
The book opens with a history of the Germanic people, their origins, all of this told by a ghost which is a great touch. Kramer is a fascinating look at this not often studied period of history. Due to the efforts of Thusnelda and her husband, Armin or, if you like, his Latin name, Arminius, the Romans lost! When he was informed about the loss of his legions and their supporting units, Augustus began wailing, "Varus, Varus, give me back my legions!" For months afterwards, he left his hair to grow and also his beard and he appeared to be totally unkept! What made it all much harder for the Romans to bear was a few warriors only supported Arminius and Thusnelda. Arminius and Thusnelda Versus Rome by Michael G. Even when she makes some risky choices, her aim is clear: She'll do anything for her people.In September of 9 A.D., The three legions and their supporting units under the command of Varus thought that they could complete the Roman conquest of Germania. One incredibly powerful arc pits Thusnelda against her parents to protect her young brother after he is seriously injured.Īt a time when she is considered a commodity, even by her loved ones, Thusnelda becomes a pivotal figure in bringing her people together to fight their Roman oppressors. From the beginning, she shows herself to be a brave woman who will do what she believes is right without question - even when it puts her at odds with her parents or the man she loves. Her father had intended her for someone else, but Arminius had abducted and impregnated her. As the princess of her tribe, many expectations are placed on her, but Thusnelda is not having it. She was the daughter of the Cheruscan prince Segestes. While Arminius is stuck in two worlds, Thusnelda is the hero viewers will root for. In the service of the Romans he had obtained both citizenship and equestrian rank. Katalin Vermes/Netflix Thusnelda, the one to watch While there is a lot we don't know about these fascinating figures, creative liberties fill in the holes and help draw a fuller picture of what this period was like.
Thusnelda arminius series#
The series knows when to bend to tell a great story while keeping its eye on what the history books tell us. Arminius and Thusnelda (Jeanne Goursaud), two of the show's central figures, each hold a place in European history. While Barbarians does embellish its story to make a compelling drama, it is a retelling of a real battle, in which feuding Germanic tribes put aside their problems and join forces to defeat their common enemy, the Romans. His struggle helps ground what is otherwise a big, action-heavy work of historical fiction.
The thrilling twists often come from his sudden changes of heart, and the very human choices he makes are both emotional and exciting. Arminius' conflicted feelings about his predicament are the unpredictable driving force throughout the season. A compelling central struggleĪt the center of Barbarians is Arminius (Laurence Rupp), a Germanic soldier working for the Romans after being given away by his family as a tribute.
Here's why it deserves the top spot on your watch list. With a conflicted central character, an incredible heroine, and engaging story lines, Barbarians should be your next binge. The new German Netflix series (now streaming) is an action-packed retelling of the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, between the Romans and the Germanic peoples, in the year 9 CE. Barbarians is at the gate, and you should be paying attention.