Avenging Varus - The Germanic Wars [FULL DOCUMENTARY]

This history documentary is a compilation of our Avenging Varus animated documentary series:
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 Walls (16 AD)
Avenging Varus Part 6 - Fate of Arminius and Germanicus (16 AD)

The video picks up just after the defeat of Varus and his legions at the Battle of Teutoburg Forest by the hands of Arminius. It traces the panicked response of Emperor Augustus and the deployment of Tiberius to resecure the Germanic frontier. The documentary then covers the unfolding series of campaigns launched by Rome and led by Germanicus in its Avenging Varus quest. These feature some of the most climactic battles of the Germanic Wars including the Battle of the Long Bridges, the Battle of Idistaviso, and the Battle of the Angrivarian Wall.

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

[schizosamurai]

Germanicus: "So Caecina, your report of the battle?"

Caecina: "We slept through the night with barely any food, in camp made of mud, surrounded by un-even marsh terrain, morale beyond awful, outnumbered and with no real chance of escape.
Also I dreamt of Varus dragging me down, under the putrid swamp."

Germanicus: "By Mars, what happened next?"

Caecina: "We won."

[Helixonian]

"None of your trees here. None of your swamps, just a fair field and fair God's." Beautiful.

[jonbaxter]

This literally reads like some of the best fiction ever. but it really happened, 2, 000 years ago. Incredible...

[ThermoNuclearCopium]

This is one of the most compelling stories in Roman history to me. The nightmare of Varus beckoning to join him and his legions really stood out to me. To endure all that and come out victorious is incredible.

[maxroy]

That situation with Caecina and the long bridges honestly had me holding my breath. Must have been such an intense scenario to actually live through. Reminds me of Cortez’s escape from Tenochtitlan across the causeways

[mrmeener]

that battle at the swamp and the long bridges has to be the greatest victory of a single battle in history. the bravery the skills of the Roman commander the discipline the courage of the Roman soldiers in the face of defeat was one of the greatest feat of arms

[yonny]

To see Roman Legions standing in formation in all its might must’ve been one of the most intimidating sights ever seen

[corcaighrebel]

Phenomenal film. Filling in a massive section on Arminius & Germanicus, I knew up until the point where Germanicus had buried the soldiers from Varus' Legions, had no idea of the rest, the losses at sea, the extent of the conflict, the continued skill (genius) of Arminius. Just a truly remarkable, remarkable tale. Thank you so much for the level of detail provided.

[brendansaltvick]

Caceina had massive balls. I would’ve never heard of him without this documentary. Such tremendous leadership! He was such a Chad! Thanks, invicta!

[urrrr]

This is the best documentary I've ever seen in any historical subject. It's not too descriptive, long or soulless. Even better than Caesar's life documentaries especially considering this is a YouTube production that's completely free. Absolutely wonderful work.

[sheetpeyseksdi]

"Their eagle standards would make a a fine addition to his collection" ahh yes general grievous would be proud

[swinglowsweetchariot]

Awesome job of story telling. How Caecina turned the tide was awe inspiring. The respect for Germanicus and Arminius is readily apparent in this video. Very well done!

[InvictaHistory]

I am proud to present the culmination of a ton of hard work from our awesome researchers, artists, and editors! These narrative driven stories are a blast to produce and its definitely something I'd like to do more of. Any suggestions on topics?

[steve]

That tree with all the dead bodies and weapons/armor on it reminded me of the one in the movie 300.

Also in Gladiator, the way the Germans hugged the trees while the Romans sought to bring them out in the open battlefield reflected greatly their tactics here, avoiding swamps/forests when possible and preferring an open field to fight upon.

[syluxv]

The last time I was this early, Augustus still had his legions.

[seanpearce]

Probably the best documentary on Roman campaigns I've ever seen.

[brucesg]

Simply outstanding! This is how the stories of history should be told. You deserve you own triumphant chariot ride.

[seraphx]

Ben Kane wrote a trilogy series called The Eagles of Rome covering the loss of the legions in book 1, Germanicus leading the punitive campaigns in book two, and book three deals with the battle at the angrivarian wall, there is some embellishment of course because it is in the historical fiction genre but he sticks to the facts and characters that we know from the historical record.

[mohamedala]

Beautiful story telling and extremely well paced naration of the events. I listened to the whole video in one go and had my imagination work in overdrive. Absolutely beautiful, felt like I was reading a book.

[ark]

Came here after watching season 2 of Barbarians. Had to get some real history after that train wreck.