January 23, 2021 — Historical dramas can often lead to some of the finest cinematic moments in film and television. Leading the charge in the current zeitgeist is the German Original series Barbarians.

Barbarians has been a smash hit on Netflix. It is one of the most action-packed and well-researched Netflix Originals ever created. The historical drama revolves around Roman officer Arminius (German: Hermann; 18/17 BCE – 21 CE).  Who later became chieftain of the Germanic Cherusci tribe. Best known for commanding an alliance of Germanic tribes at the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 CE. Destroying three Roman legions under the command of general Publius Quinctilius Varus. His victory at Teutoburg Forest would precipitate the Roman Empire’s permanent strategic withdrawal from Magna Germania. Modern historians have regarded Arminius’ victory as Rome’s greatest defeat. As it prevented the Romanization of Germanic peoples east of the Rhine. Considered to be a turning point in world history and one of the most decisive battles ever fought.

The historical drama takes place in the year 9 CE as the Germanic Chieftain Hermann (Arminius) a soldier educated in roman military tactics, unites a large number of Germanic tribes against the Roman threat. Hermann leads the Germanic tribes in a devasting ambush. Therefore altering the course of history by moving against the Roman legions before they struck. Netflix’s historical drama tells the story from the POV of the Germanic tribes.