Publius Quinctilius Varus

Publius Quinctilius Varus was an experienced Roman administrator and general — son-in-law of Augustus's close friend Agrippa — who had served capably as governor of Syria. Appointed governor of Germania, he trusted too completely in the loyalty of Arminius, a Cherusci chieftain who had served in the Roman auxiliary forces and held Roman citizenship. In September 9 CE, Arminius lured Varus's three legions (approximately 20,000 men) into the Teutoburg Forest and annihilated them in a three-day ambush. Varus committed suicide to avoid capture. The disaster, Rome's greatest military defeat in a generation, led Augustus to famously cry 'Varus, give me back my legions!' and permanently fixed the Roman frontier on the Rhine.

• Nationality: roman
• Roles: general