A NETFLIX SERIES
10 A.D. ONE YEAR SINCE THE VARUS BATTLE
THE CHERUSCI HAVE RETREATED DEEP INTO THE PROTECTION OF THE NORTHERN FORESTS
REIK ARI IS TO BECOME KING, UNITING THE TRIBES FOR THE FIRST TIME
BUT THE ROMAN EMPIRE HAS NOT GIVEN UP ITS CLAIM TO THE LAND OF THE BARBARIANS
Stop!
Some savages dropped their whore.
Is she still alive?
Take her to Commander Tiberius.
She'll be an additional present.
If these barbarian whores weren't so filthy,
maybe we could do something with them.
-To arms! -To arms!
Build a turtle!
To hell with that!
Take as much as you can carry and burn the rest!
Goatskins. The Suebi will pay us a fortune for them.
And make a bigger fortune selling them back to the Romans.
Were there more?
All the carts are full of them.
What do they need them for?
What is it?
They need them for contubernia.
Contu-what? What does that mean?
Contubernia are big tents.
For soldiers.
For thousands of soldiers.
Send messengers to Reik Aldarich and Reik Brandolf.
We need to talk.
Arminius, that devil.
He tricked Varus back then.
But this time Tiberius is doing nothing and we're dropping…
like flies.
Prefect Germanicus.
Stop spouting nonsense.
Arminius is mortal too.
We'll just have to teach him how to die.
Tents for an entire legion!
We can't put up with this any longer.
We should ride out tonight.
Every village where we find skins, we burn it down.
-No questions asked! -We will stick to the strategy.
Tiberius.
These are my men.
My comrades.
My brothers.
It must not be our strategy for even one of them to be killed by these animals.
No attacks until the new legions arrive.
Germanicus.
Son, Rome has an endless supply of brave commanders, but you…
You will become the next caesar.
Start thinking like one.
Why crush a few tribes when you can sack the whole country?
Thumelicus. Hello, my little reik.
Thank you.
What is it?
It was a success, wasn't it?
Rome is getting ever closer. War is not far off.
The officer earlier mentioned Tiberius.
That means the camp by the river is under his command.
Tiberius only shows up when things get serious.
We've already shown Varus what "serious" means.
Tiberius is Rome's supreme commander. He has imperium proconsulare.
He has what?
Full authority over the legions.
Only a caesar has as much power.
Ultimately, he's just another Roman.
We have scouts on the mountain passes in the south.
If there were troop movements, we'd know.
Reik Brandolf, the tents are proof enough.
We're not going to wait for the soldiers that fill them.
If you want to attack now,
our warriors will be at your side.
It won't be enough just to unite the Marsi, Lombards, and Cherusci.
-Reik Hadgan will fight again. -Yes.
For the right price.
Reik Rurik and Ibor.
The Chatti, the Batavi.
Everyone will support you.
It won't be enough, Aldarich!
We're too few to stand up to Tiberius' legion.
Especially if another's on its way. They won't make the same mistake again.
A second legion increases their numbers to 20,000 men. In a secure camp.
Together, we add up to maybe 8,000. That's nothing.
Marbod.
The Marcomanni.
-He won't stand with us. -He's got 70,000 men.
70,000?
Marbod's never cared what happens to us in the west. Never.
-The danger has never been this great. -We have to try everything.
And that means one thing. We need Marbod's army.
Who else, if not you, could convince him, Ari?
Marbod should already be on his way here for the big folkmoot on the solstice.
That's perfect.
See?
A sign from the gods.
Odvulf, bring Reik Rurik ten horses.
Tell him that if he helps us, I'll lay no claim to the spoils.
And bring the same message to Reik Thorleif.
I'll ride right away.
See you later.
Think ten horses are enough?
And Marbod? You have to talk to him.
Invite him out hunting. Or fishing.
Or… for some beer and whores.
Marbod is clever. He'll already know we want his forces.
You know him?
A long time ago.
Marbod, my prince. We're ready. May I show you our progress?
The tent is almost complete.
Shall we dig ditches and build palisades?
That won't be necessary.
Nobody will dare break the peace at the folkmoot.
Very good, my prince.
What a hellhole.
These insects!
We haven't needed the folkmoot for the last few years.
This year is different. The future of the tribes.
The victory over Varus.
Since when do we care about the other tribes?
They care about us.
That's something we should use.
Reik Marbod!
Talio from the Cherusci tribe.
My reik Ari, son of Segimer, sends his greetings.
Reik Ari…
Is that all?
Ari invites you to hunt with him
before the folkmoot at the solstice.
To hunt.
Just that?
For the pleasure of hunting?
Yes.
For the pleasure of hunting.
Tell him
I accept his invitation.
I take pleasure in hunting too.
Ari…
You're thinking so loudly I can't sleep.
With or without Marbod, you'll find a way.
The gods love those who don't wait for the gods,
and take matters into their own hands.
What did Runa say about it?
I'll have to sacrifice a whole ram.
I had to learn that I could take my destiny into my own hands.
That I could be who I want.
I'm a Roman too, Thusnelda.
I can't just wash that away.
You are who you are.
Good. You, wait.
Halt.
Are you here for the market?
I'm Prefect Flavus Quinctilius Varus, 6th legion, on a secret mission
of paramount importance!
-Do you have any papers? -Let me enter.
Open the gate!
Commander Tiberius, I'm so sorry.
Speak, soldier.
A visitor for you. Flavus Quinctilius Varus.
Flavus Varus?
He dares to come here?
Hail Caesar.
Commander Tiberius.
Germanicus.
Proconsul.
Hail Caesar.
The emperor's name in the mouth of Arminius' brother?
I am on a secret mission for the capture of high traitor Arminius.
By order of Caesar Augustus himself.
I am asking for an elite troop of 50 cavalry
in support of my honorable endeavor, Commander Tiberius.
We received no such order.
No orders received?
Nothing.
I can't imagine why the order hasn't come through, Dominus.
Rome was quite clear.
Why would they trust a traitor's brother with anything?
I suppose that Rome in its wisdom felt that only I could capture my kin.
Ha! You insult the legions!
I do no such thing!
Expel him, Father.
-Dominus, I can capture Arminius! I can! -He's lying, Father! Expel him!
My orders are to wait here until additional legions arrive.
Unless I get new orders, of course.
Flavus,
you have my hope that you can acquire your brother without support.
-But I can't-- -If you cannot, then you cannot.
I imagine they'll kill you before you even get close.
Still…
Best of luck.
Then that's what I'll do.
I'll capture him and bring him to you.
Hail Caesar!
Yes, of course, hail Caesar.
Thusnelda, the Cheruscan.
Your reputation has reached us in the east.
Welcome.
My wife, Odarike, daughter of Tudrus.
Quaint place you have here.
As enemies of the Roman Empire, we hide in small villages.
It's been a long time, Ari.
Yes.
It has.
Well then, how about a long embrace?
Let's go hunting.
This was my favorite place as a child.
Our land,
as far as the eye can see.
"For the pleasure of hunting," huh?
You want something from me.
I never want to see another camp here.
It's just one camp.
Their numbers are increasing, Marbod.
But together we can stop them.
Isn't it nice to see the tribes all free and independent now?
"The tribes"? What does that mean?
-I mean that the tribes-- -I know what you mean.
But…
when I look around here, I see only Cherusci. You.
And if you came to me, you'd only see Marcomanni. Us.
And maybe that's a good thing.
Can I offer you something, Odarike?
I'd like to sit in the shade.
And… maybe a drink of water?
Fresh, clean water? Do you have such a thing here?
You want my warriors.
I could give a hundred reasons why I wouldn't pick a fight with Rome.
-Give me one that really counts. -This here.
We're here and can talk to each other.
Can't you feel it?
That's peace.
Don't be so naive.
Be careful of what you say.
This peace won't last, Marbod.
It only exists because they're waiting for reinforcements.
They're preparing.
And then your peace will be over, I promise.
Just a little sip.
What a good eater!
Yes, he is.
Lovely and sweet.
So, even the most primitive villagers can brew mead.
I'm glad there's something here you like.
You know, after the first two, my breasts were still in reasonable shape.
But after the third…
"Once upon a time..."
Do you want more children?
Of course. You?
Under no circumstances.
And Marbod?
Marbod is happy with his children.
With his children.
One day, the Romans came and massacred my tribe.
Killed my family and took me to Rome.
At 17, they sent me back and made me reik.
That's when I realized it had been their plan from the start.
But I took the chance and moved my tribe to the east.
A new land.
A new life.
How can you be so indifferent toward the Romans after all that?
Precisely because of what I experienced.
I just don't want any more trouble.
You're afraid.
You see this?
The boy who hid from looting soldiers back then,
who was then discovered, tortured, and beaten half to death...
Yes, Ari.
That boy was afraid.
I know no fear now.
Of anything or anyone.
Will you support us?
I…
I'll give it some serious thought.
Well?
Will Marbod support you at the folkmoot?
He says he'll think about it.
Will he bring his 70,000 men?
You never know where his thoughts will lead.
What does Rurik say?
He says we can count on him. Odvulf is still with Reik Thorleif.
I'm riding out to Gudmunt.
That just leaves Hadgan.
That won't be easy. We can't ask him directly.
And he needs to feel he's getting the maximum benefit.
My father.
I'll take care of it.
I'll ride out to see him tomorrow.
How do you know Marbod so well?
You greeted each other like old friends.
We spent our youth together.
In Rome.
He was also a tribute from his tribe.
Just like my brother and I.
Can we trust him?
I hope so.
My prince?
There's a Roman who wants to talk to you.
One Roman? All alone?
That's what I call bold.
Greetings, Marbod…
Prince of the Marcomanni.
Flavus Quinctilius Varus.
Officer Flavus.
I was recently transferred here
and didn't want to pass up the chance
to pay
an old friend
a visit.
How did you know I was in the west?
The commander of 70,000 spears
doesn't go unnoticed.
Then you also know about the folkmoot.
Your brother invited us over today.
We talked about the good old days.
I no longer have a brother.
And you can talk to me about… the good new days.
Dark times.
Dark.
Beware, Thusnelda.
Gods, what do you want?
Rome will be your mother now.
And I am your father.
Varus, I had no choice.
Mother.
Segestes.
So nice to see you.
How are you?
I'm not here as your daughter,
but as princess of the Cherusci.
Your tribe needs your help.
Help? Why should we help you?
Of course.
-We would do anything for our tribe. -Good.
Rome will attack soon and we need to unite the tribes.
We need you to mediate with Hadgan. At the folkmoot tonight.
-Hadgan only wants spoils. -He'll get them.
But if he needs a push, he's dumb enough to listen to you.
-So advise him. -I advise you to change your tone.
What do I get?
Help us with Hadgan… and you two can rejoin the tribe.
You can count on us.
You, boy!
First time in Germania?
Met any barbarians yet?
I was there.
The attack of the traitor, Arminius.
Barbarians nailed the heads to the trees.
They ripped out the guts…
and ate them!
From the dead, or just the wounded.
And the testicles too.
I think… I have to…
Boy! Welcome to Germania!
Have a pleasant stay!
It's been a year of peace and healing.
And when I look around,
I see strong reiks and brave warriors with a common goal.
To live in freedom without subjugation!
We fight for our land.
For that which has been ours from the beginning.
They fight to steal what isn't theirs!
But if we stand together, they won't succeed.
Let's ride out now and fight those dogs!
I'd like nothing more, Rurik.
It's time to put an end to this.
More legions are on the way. We can't wait any longer.
Let's attack now!
Because together, no one can stop us!
Together, with me as king!
A cheer for Ari, the fearless reik!
He led you into battle like a clever wolf!
If he becomes your king,
he will lead you to war again.
It's a long time since I last saw you all here.
Reik Rurik.
How many of your warriors were lost in that forest battle?
Reik Thorleif!
Where is your brother?
Ari says, "A year of healing."
Has your dead brother been healed?
And you, Brandolf.
Last time, you were here with your three sons.
Three sons!
Proud warriors!
Where are they now?
A year ago, Ari said that you were driving the Romans from your land.
That freedom was worth any sacrifice.
Now, a year later, you're here again, but the Romans haven't left.
And again, all Ari can offer you is war.
Times have changed, Ari.
He who only thinks like a wolf
cannot see far.
And a man who only knows one path is not wise enough to be your king.
You have no right to speak that way.
While these men were fighting, you were hiding in your village,
you cowardly son of a bitch.
True.
I've been trading with the Romans for many years.
We do business. Good business!
The Romans trust me.
That, my friends,
is a better way.
A more peaceful way.
And it's possible for all of you.
A year ago, you had no choice.
But today you do!
Choose wisely, my friends.
Choose wisely.
Choose me as your king.
Why didn't you stop them from leaving?
Nothing's been decided yet.
The night is over.
The gods will choose the king another time.
What?
You'd better save yourself and your child!
You know nothing of the gods, Thusnelda.
You think they can't touch you
because they haven't punished you yet for your arrogance.
What are you saying?
Nobody can fool the gods.
No one! Beware, Thusnelda!
The gods will punish him too!
What is Marbod doing?
I don't know. He was like a different person.
Maybe I can learn something from his wife.
I'll talk to him again.
Ari? There he is.
Marbod!
Who will bring our things to the village?
Why should this happen?
What did you say? We have an agreement.
Then make sure things work out at the next folkmoot.
She won't come to her senses until someone puts her in her place.
Marbod!
Why did you do that?
This is your war.
With your past, with yourself.
What are you saying?
You want our tribes to bleed so you can prove to yourself you're not a Roman.
That's ridiculous.
Maybe the Romans aren't the problem.
Maybe you're the problem.
All I want is for the tribes to unite in order to protect their freedom.
What wise words, King Ari.
Flavus?
So you're behind this.
You ruined my life.
It's over, Ari.
Give up, brother.
Subtitle translation by: Kel Barksdale