Actually, Arminius had formed armed coalition of six tribes РІР‚вЂњ Cherusci, Marsi, Chatti, Bructeri, Chauci and Sicambri. Varus considered Arminius as his vassal and advisor devoted to the empire. ArminiusРІР‚в„ўs father-in-law gave him some warnings but he did not pay too much attention to them. Publius VarusРІР‚в„ўs plan counted with resolute suppression of all resistance by huge military intervention rather than a conflict of two armed organisations standing against each other. Most of them had not previous combat experiences though. For that reason 3 legions, 6 cohorts and 3 supporting alae (cavalry units) were built - about 20,000 men. It was decided to send there an army to crush the uprising with a quick effective powerful strike which not only stops it but also prevents any rebellion outburst again. However, the situation got critical when the revolts against Romans were still getting stronger and the province became unstable. Publius VarusРІР‚в„ўs mission was to consolidate the intended new province. Romans also did political interventions to support chaos and hostility existing between the tribes.

Local people had to pay taxes to the empireРІР‚в„ўs treasury. Romans built a network of military camps to take control over the lands. Although Germania Magna never became official province, local people considered Romans as occupants because of their military presence. After Romans conquered Galia and Belgica (present France and Belgium) and successfully reached Rhine they invaded Germania from the west. What we call now Germany used to be a country with a lot of forests inhabited by Germanic tribes. That time the tribes were preparing for uprising against Romans. His abilities earned him a position of leader of supporting units during Balkan military campaign.Р”Р„fter 7 AD he was sent back to northern Germania where he became friend with province governor Publius Quinctilius Varus. He was given prime education and he learned much about roman politics and military. Since that time he was known by the name Arminius (his original name was probably Hermann).

He gained Roman citizenship even he was born barbarian. On the other hand, it might fail as it later did in case of Arminius.Р”Р„rminius was captured by soldiers and raised in Rome.

This strategy usually worked and new local leaders were loyal to the empire. When the children grew up they were sent back to their birthplaces and were named tribal chiefs. To secure their control over annexed provinces, Romans were taking children hostages to Rome where they raised them. These lands were intended to become new roman province called Germania Magna. In 12 BC Roman legions crossed Rhine and captured territories of several tribes as far as Elbe riverbank, so Cherusci people was among them. He came from Germanic tribe called Cherusci, who were living in area between nowadays German cities Hannover and OsnabrР“Сck.

Arminius teutoburg forest