Original subtitles

It was the beginning of the first century AD, when

the Roman legions returned triumfantly to Apuleaia.

Their hardened victory against the tribes of Illyria...

and Panonia was credited to...

...the strategy of the Roman tribune, Aulus Septimus.

But Aulus knew, that victory would not have been theirs,

had it not been for the courage of an unknown centurion,

...called Arminius.

Arminius was of Germanic descent

Born in the Black Forest, beyond the Rhine.

Attracted by the glory of the Roman Empire, he left his home,

...to fight under the banner of the Roman legions.

Through his noble deeds he gained Roman citizenship...

...and the admiration of his superior, Aulus Septimus.

But destiny chose this man from the North...

to shape the foundations of the Empire...

Arminius, the greatest threat to Rome since Hannibal's days.

Arminius, who opened a new horizon for his people.

Arminius, the first leader to bring Freedom to his people.

As decreed by the senate in the name of Rome...

...for particular dedication, for deeds of valour...

within the enemy's camp, I, Drusus, son of Tiberius,

...bestow the Pretorian sword of honour upon...

Marcus, chief of the Markomans,

and the centurion Arminius,

...the faithful ally of Rome.

Yours is the honour of Rome.

We thank you, Arminius.

Stop!

Where are you going? Answer!

I will not favour these barbarians with my presence!

These are Romans, like you!

They are men of great honour.

-You will regret this! -Enough!

You are a disgrace.

The senate will judge you later.

Arminius, I hope you will forget this incident.

All Rome awaits to pay you homage.

No Drusus, I cannot accept it.

No matter what I do,

men like him will always hate me.

I wish to return to my homeland again.

That is your right.

Have you decided, Arminius?

I have.

I am sorry, Septimus.

I think you overreact, we are friends, you know that.

-They call me The Barbarian! -They have called me worse.

Is my blood sufficient reason to instill such hatred?

I know you as a Roman soldier.

That's not enough!

Nu, Septimus, it is farewell.

And... thank you.

-Are you going to the Black Forest? -I don't know.

-How long will you be gone? -Forever!

-You are Sagestus, aren't you? -Yes, I am.

-Don't you recognize me? -I'm afraid I don't know you.

I am Arminius, from the tribe of the Cheruskians.

Arminius... Yes! You are Arminius!

Welcome back, young Arminius!

It has been so long, I almost forgot.

Tell all that tonight, we celebrate,

in honour of our friend, Arminius the Cheruskan!

Your daughter Tusnelda, is she here?

She is at the Roman camp.

-I will send for her. -No need, I will go myself.

You are Tusnelda.

You are Arminius!

Have I changed so much?

You've been gone for years.

I was only sixteen when you left.

Do you recall the promise we made?

Right here at the tower...

We used words like true life,

...and true love.

I waited a long time for you.

Now I am promised to another.

Don't go. Wait!

Why did you do it?

It was my father's will.

My son envied you for years,

but now he will follow you.

We are pleased to have you among us.

You bring great honour to our tribe.

Pride is in our hearts. To your glory, Arminius.

To Arminius!

Rome must be a world of wonder.

Yes, Rome learned me many things.

They know how to live, and... they know how to enslave.

These are the things they taught me: Plunder, war, humiliation.

These are the wonders of Rome.

What's come over you?

This is the only Northern tribe that submits to Roman dominion.

That supports a reign of cruelty.

They say that we are barbarians,

...and unworthy of freedom.

Let us forget our differences.

We can unite the German tribes.

Together we'll repel the Romans!

-You're insane, Arminius. -That's enough!

I have overstayed my welcome.

Farewell!

Let him go, Tusnelda.

Wait, Arminius!

Don't leave without me.

I beg you, take me away.

Oh please Arminius.

Loyal Sagestus!

Thank you for seeing me, noble Varus.

You came just in time.

As you know, we're about to leave for our winter camp.

But first I would have visited you,

for the usual celebrations. But what brings you here, Sagestus?

I have come to warn you. If your troops leave for the winter,

then the whole region is threatened.

In that case, it must be threatened by the great god Thor himself!

I assure you, Sagestus, you have no cause for alarm.

What do you say, Pamonius?

You are always so well informed.

Do you think our gods are angry?

The gods never threaten.

But men do. Have you heard of the Cheruskan tribesman Arminius?

He has returned, and he is stirring the tribes to revolt.

Arminius...

-But he is a Roman centurion. -You are mistaken...

He has renounced Rome, and is now convincing our leaders...

...to follow his example. My daughter is in his hands.

You can't leave now, Varus.

Arminius will take control of this fortress, if you do not stay.

It would mean the end for us!

A small garrison will stay here.

...but these legions must depart before the winter.

I have no choice in this.

May the gods be with you.

Let our friendship be preserved.

Miserable thief...

You'd lie to the gods for gold.

I can't agree with your ideals...

...but I admire your sincerity.

I sent for you thinking you might have some information.

Ah, information you say...

That's only a question of price.

What will it cost to know which route Varus is taking?

I don't know what you mean.

Will his legions travel North,

through the marshes of Teutoburg?

That's something only Varus can know.

Listen to me, Pamonius...

For years, you've been selling information to anyone.

Germans, Romans, friends, enemies.

You are treacherous.

What would Varus say if he knew...

He is sure to find out before long.

What will happen then?

You do not want me to inform Varus.

-What about the money? -You tell me before you're paid.

You will get the price you want.

Now speak! I am waiting.

Varus will go through the marshes.

Your ambition is beginning to stink.

Your information better be correct!

You have surely asked yourselves, why I asked you to come here.

My desire is to see you organised under one flag, united together...

joined for one great purpose.

for Liberty!

To shed the yoke of Rome.

To reclaim the land we walk upon.

Yes, to reclaim our sacred homeland.

and to this end, unite our tribes.

There lies our strength.

One force, united, to strike at the Roman tyranny.

How can you speak such madness?

Rome is powerful.

Even if you defeat a legion,.

you will risk bloodshed and death.

Are you not ready to sacrifice,

to gain our freedom from Rome?

You seem to have forgotten what we owe to Rome.

There is no discontent among our tribes.

No Arminius, I disagree with you.

Are you with me?

Come.

The legions headed by Varus...

...will begin their journey to the winter camp tomorrow.

They can take two ways:

Through the mountains, or...

through the marshes of Teutoburg.

We will be waiting for him there.

I want the ranks in close contact.

As you wish, Varus. Excuse me...

but I would avoid the marshes. They are dangerous.

I know. But it's the shortest way.

And time is against us.

March!

The old bridge is just ahead.

-It seems to be in good shape. -We are fortunate.

It was last used two years ago,

when Drusus came to Germany.

Make certain it can sustain the weight of our carts.

It will be checked before dawn.

Double the guards tonight.

And tell the German guides, that we march at dawn.

Pamonius!

It's for tomorrow. Be careful. The rest of you, come with me!

Varus!

-What is it? -The guides have disappeared.

We'll leave without them.

March!

Get moving! Keep to the centre!

I am so hungry I can hardly walk. Where are we going anyway?

You'll find out when you get there.

Fall back!

Get off the bridge, all of you!

Curio!

Curio!

Send word to Varus!

Give me your sword.

Give me your sword!

It's over.

-Let me get him! -Not yet.

I want him to tell Rome what has happened here.

Let's go!

No Tiberius, it's impossible.

The battle of Actium.

Marc Antony's fleet fell for the might of Rome.

All of them did. Do you remember?

Sextus Pompey...

I destroyed his armies everywhere.

We brought peace them. We built.

We taught. We civilized.

Was all this for nothing?

Herein all my life is recorded.

Octavius and the glories of Rome.

How shall I end this tome?

Saying that during my reign...

...the Roman Eagle fell down?

No! Never!

Take my personal regiment.

Withdraw troops from the Orient.

Employ freedmen and slaves.

Let us restore the glory of Rome.

Let us stop this Arminius.

-It shall be done. -Go, Tiberius.

You will lead the veteran troops of Caesar Octavius.

Head for Germany and avenge the crimes of Arminius.

Good luck.

Tell the emperor I will succeed.

Who is that woman, Curio?

Her name is Livia.

She is the daughter of Pamonius.

Her father was Varus' counselor.

They travel with Tiberius' permission.

Forward!

Are you tired?

If you want to return, I can give you an escort.

No. Where are we going to camp?

Wherever you like. Alright?

We will go on.

The hardship will be over soon. Tomorrow, we enter Germany.

I do not fear suffering.

I was born in poverty, in the suburbs of Rome.

For years my father laboured on the markets of the empire.

-When was the last time you saw him? -That was five years ago.

He always wanted to be rich. He worked long, but eventually won.

Why are you telling me this?

I do not know why I said it.

-Goodnight. -Goodnight, Livia.

Teutoburg is on the other side of the forest.

We have to leave now if we wish to reach it before dark.

Take over command and go to the fort. That's an order.

Guards! Follow me!

Turn around!

That is enough, Ruben!

Aulus Septimus!

I did not know it was you.

Now you do.

Why did you come here?

This is all that is left of the legions of Varus.

After me others will come.

And others after them.

You may hate Rome, but you are not able to destroy it.

You cannot win!

I haven't forgotten our friendship.

For that I will let you go free.

We're even now.

Allow me to give you good advice:

Do not cross the Rhine.

We are ready to cut you to pieces, if you dare invade our territory!

We will meet again, Arminius.

For your sake, I hope not.

Welcome back, Curio!

-Where is Aulus Septimus? -He went to Teutoburg.

I think he went to honour Varus, and the legions who fell there.

The winter has been hard for us.

If Arminius had attacked the fort,

...he would have killed all of us.

Livia!

Father!

You have grown so. You look just like your mother.

She was very beautiful.

Before she died, mother gave me this.

She made me promise to give it to you the moment I saw you.

-Do you know what it is? -Your wedding gift.

-What is wrong? -Nothing...

Arminius...

What is wrong?

The Romans have returned.

Aulus Septimus is their commander.

Anyone else I would have killed! giati;

Will there never be peace for us?

Yes, there will be...

When we rid the land of the enemy!

When he is gone!

Then we will be free!

Don't torture yourself my love.

You are tired now.

Forgive me, Tusnelda.

What you said isn't wrong.

Desire for freedom is torture.

Love for liberty can condemn you.

Your brother was right. I must be mad.

Sigmund can help you. Let me go to him.

He will help you, I am sure he will.

Open the gate!

It is Aulus Septimus.

Aulus!

Over here. Careful.

Livia, Aulus has been injured.

-Where is he? -Who has been injured?

The consul Aulus Septimus.

No, Varus, no. It's a trap... Beware of Pamonius...

Let him sleep. I will stay here.

Let me know as soon as he awakes.

How is he?

-He was delirious all night. -Get some rest, my dear.

Father...

He was talking in his fever.

He mentioned you and Varus...

...and talked of betrayal.

What was he talking about?

-It was his fever. -Are you hiding something from me?

You are constantly avoiding Aulus.

You are afraid of him.

Tell me the truth!

I have the right to know.

I have hidden little for you, Livia.

You are the richest girl in Rome.

Did you ever ask yourself...

how your father came to be so rich?

With these hands.

These hands made an empire for me.

But too much gold makes them dirty.

I gave advice to Varus.

And I profited from that.

But I never thought he would do it.

Livia, what I did was for you.

I would do it again if needed.

I will confess if you want me to.

I do not want to see you unhappy.

Father, I'll never be happy again.

-Greetings Aulus. -Cherea, come in!

You look just like a German.

The Frisoni have gathered here.

Others joined Arminius' fortress.

The Gepisi guard the Rhine.

They are not planning to move on.

Instead, we will make a move.

We cannot wait here forever.

What about Sagestus?

We must convince him to join us.

We will leave tomorrow.

Curio, you prepare the guards. Cherea, you stay in the fort.

Livia!

I wanted to thank you earlier...

but I could not find you anymore.

I am staying at my father's camp.

-Are you leaving? -Yes.

I am going to the Black Forest.

Again?

It's necessary.

Greetings, I come from Sagestus.

Tusnelda is also in the village.

It is best if you wait here.

We will stop in the forest. Go.

-Curio! -Yes commander?

-I want her alive. -Who?

I want her alive.

By refusing to help Arminius...

...you are denying a just cause!

Your own blood and your own land.

Shame is all you learned from Rome.

Father, I leave you disappointed.

Tusnelda has left, you may enter.

Curio, are you ready?

Take the girl to the fort alive.

We'll see each other there.

If we would agree to help you...

Arminius would attack our camp.

The time has come to decide.

We are allies of Rome, but...

we promised Arminius not to fight.

Don't ask us to fight our own race.

We Germans have remained loyal...

but Varus was betrayed by a Roman.

Pamonius will be punished.

Thank you. Fortune be with you.

You will need it.

I regret that I must keep you here.

Do not forget that I am the bride...

...of your former closest friend.

You seem to forget...

that we did not start this war.

You have never known slavery.

Never been called a barbarian.

You do not know the humiliation.

For our people, every breath...

is a desperate cry for freedom.

You are Roman, and a free man.

Arminius was not so lucky.

That is why he started this war.

Right or wrong, Arminius was very lucky to find a bride like you.

It's Sagestus and Sigmund.

They gave Tusnelda to the Romans.

-Who decided to kill them? -They resisted...

They are dead...

You fools! Idiots!

Move out!

My time has come, I know it.

I've always kept your accounts well.

So be it.

You have a choice, Pamonius.

To die executed in public,

...or by your own hand. Choose.

I did not expect anything else.

Death doesn't frighten me.

But grant me a few hours,

and I shall correct my mistakes.

You have Tusnelde hostage here.

I am aware of your plans, consul.

Give me a chance to redeem myself.

Aulus, you will not regret it.

I didn't know how mad Arminius is.

Did you know he blackmailed me?

I too want revenge on him.

Please believe him.

If we come out of this hell alive,

you will never hear from us again.

Consul, there has been commotion.

The legionaires are in uproar.

Consul, you must release the girl.

Sagestus has been murdered.

Arminius is sure to attack us.

Is that what you think?

It is everyone's opinion.

We abandon the fort tomorrow.

What? That would be madness!

It's an order.

Please do not think we're cowards.

I know it is very dangerous.

It's a risk we'll have to take.

Make sure everyone leaves tomorrow.

When Arminius attacks the camp...

he is in for a big surprise.

He will find an empty fort?

He will walk straight into a trap.

He'll regret he survived Teutoburg.

Livia!

Remember what you said last night,

...about going away forever?

Yes, I said that.

Well... then I will go with you!

Gladly.

Hurry!

Curio, I am afraid.

Have no fear. He'll be alright.

Livia...

-You know I have to stay here... -We were always separated.

It may not be for long.

Everyone is ready to leave, sir.

Good. Let's go.

Consul, would it not be best if I remained in the fort in your place?

Why do you say that? Do you think I am a coward?

Now do what I ordered.

-Good luck, Aulus! -And to you, Curio.

-Close the gate, quickly. -Curio, what are you doing?

Open!

Open the gate!

-Curio, have you gone mad! -I am sorry, Consul.

-Open the gate, that's an order! -Look, it's the Germans!

It's too late now, consul!

Wait. Wait, Curio...

I wish to help. Give me a sword.

Soon, this fort will be destroyed.

I knew that when I remained here.

Tell the centurion you're with us.

Hurry! Against the wall.

There is no time to loose!

Move. Move.

Put that on top of the palisade.

Hurry up!

They are just sitting there.

Strange, they are not attacking. They are waiting for us to come.

Let's charge.

No. First, we send the ram.

Keep the torches ready!

Hurry op, move!

Attack.

The Germans are charging the fort.

Soldiers are battering the gates.

-How far away is the cavalry? -About seventy feet.

-Where is Arminius? -He is with the other chiefs.

He isn't even using the cavalry.

He is only waiting to do so.

Inform me when they break through,

and Arminius has entered the fort.

Cavalry stand ready!

Forward!

Open the gate! Now!

Consul, the gate is breached.

-Arminius is inside the camp. -Then we'll give him a surprise!

Return to your people. Tell them,

Rome will protect their freedom.

May that protection unite us.

So ended the Roman campaign,

that gave Arminius his reputation,

as the man who freed the Germans.

The legend of Arminius, it is still

sung in ballads as old as the forest.

Subtitles by Spiny Norman