Barbarians is a German historical war drama that chronicles the events leading to the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD, a pivotal conflict in which an alliance of Germanic tribes ambushed and annihilated three Roman legions. The series delves into themes of cultural identity, loyalty, and resistance against imperial domination, offering a visceral depiction of ancient warfare and political intrigue
Production
Filming for Barbarians took place in Budapest, Hungary, between August and November 2019. The series was produced by Gaumont Germany, a branch of the renowned French studio Gaumont. Directors Barbara Eder and Steve St. Leger, the latter known for his work on Vikings, sought to balance dramatic storytelling with historical authenticity. Historians were consulted to ensure accuracy in set design, costumes, and language. Notably, the dialogue alternates between German and Classical Latin, lending further credibility to the portrayal of Roman and Germanic interactions.
Historical Context & Plot
Set during the early Roman Empire’s occupation of Germania Magna, Barbarians follows Arminius, a Cherusci tribesman raised as a Roman military officer, who ultimately betrays Rome to lead his people in rebellion. The series explores the tensions between Germanic tribes and Roman forces, culminating in the infamous ambush at Teutoburg Forest—a battle that halted Rome’s northern expansion.
Key historical figures include:
- Arminius (Laurence Rupp): A Germanic noble trained in Roman warfare, whose defection becomes instrumental in the tribal uprising.
- Thusnelda (Jeanne Goursaud): A fierce warrior and daughter of a pro-Roman chieftain, who emerges as a key leader in the resistance.
- Folkwin Wolfspeer (David Schütter): A loyal warrior and childhood companion of Arminius and Thusnelda.
- Varus (Gaetano Aronica): The Roman governor whose overconfidence leads to disaster.
The series blends historical events with fictionalised personal conflicts, offering a humanised perspective on a well-documented military catastrophe.
Main Cast
- Laurence Rupp as Arminius
- Jeanne Goursaud as Thusnelda
- David Schütter as Folkwin Wolfspeer
- Bernhard Schütz as Segestes
- Gaetano Aronica as Varus
- Daniel Donskoy as Flavus
- Murathan Muslu as Marbod
- Alessandro Fella as Germanicus
- Giovanni Carta as Tiberius
Series Overview
- Seasons: 2
- Episodes: 12 (6 per season)
- Runtime: 41–51 minutes per episode
- Original Release: 23 October 2020 – 21 October 2022
- Language: German and Latin
- Platform: Netflix
Weaponry & Combat
The series meticulously recreates the arms and armour of the period, distinguishing between Roman military equipment and Germanic tribal weaponry.
- Roman Gladius: The standard short sword of legionaries, designed for close-quarters combat.
- Pilum: A heavy javelin used to disrupt enemy formations before melee engagement.
- Scutum: The large rectangular shield employed by Roman infantry for formation fighting.
- Lorica Segmentata: The iconic segmented plate armour worn by legionaries.
In contrast, Germanic warriors wielded:
- Framea: A versatile spear used for thrusting and throwing.
- Seax: A single-edged knife or short sword common among Germanic tribes.
- Round Shields: Wooden shields reinforced with iron bosses, offering mobility in forested terrain.
- Battle Axes: Favoured for their brutal efficiency in close combat.
The depiction of guerrilla warfare in dense woodland reflects historical accounts of Germanic tactics, which exploited terrain to neutralise Roman discipline.
Battle Choreography & Historical Accuracy
The fight sequences emphasise the chaos and brutality of ancient combat. The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest is portrayed with particular intensity, showcasing Germanic ambush tactics and the breakdown of Roman cohesion in unfavourable terrain. While the series takes some creative liberties for dramatic effect, it remains broadly faithful to historical accounts of the battle, including the use of palisades and sudden attacks from concealed positions.
Critical Reception
Barbarians received praise for its gripping narrative, strong performances, and atmospheric production design. Critics lauded its unflinching portrayal of warfare and the moral complexities of rebellion. However, some historians noted minor inaccuracies, such as the simplification of tribal politics and the embellishment of certain characters’ roles.
The series proved a commercial success, reportedly reaching over 37 million households within its first month on Netflix, cementing its place among the platform’s most-watched non-English productions.
Legacy & Cultural Impact
The show has renewed interest in the Roman-Germanic conflicts of antiquity, particularly the figure of Arminius, who remains a contentious symbol of German nationalism. Its blend of action and historical drama has drawn comparisons to series like Rome and Vikings.
Where to watch:
Barbarians is available for streaming on Netflix in the UK and internationally, with options for English subtitles and dubbing.
For enthusiasts of historical epics, Barbarians offers a compelling, if dramatised, retelling of one of Rome’s most devastating military defeats.
Watch the trailer:
