15 AD · Ems River, Germania Theater
15 AD
Returning from Germanicus's campaign against the Cherusci, Legate Caecina Severus led four legions along the Long Bridges — a Roman-built causeway across the boggy lowlands of northwestern Germania. Arminius shadowed the column, choosing his moment to strike as the Romans struggled across the causeway in deteriorating autumn weather. For four days the Germanic warriors pressed the legions from all sides — cutting off the vanguard, collapsing sections of the causeway, and attacking the camp each night. In desperate fighting reminiscent of Teutoburg, Caecina held the column together through force of personality. A night panic almost caused a disastrous rout; Caecina reportedly threw himself across the gate to prevent the men from fleeing. The Romans extracted themselves by the narrowest margin.
Commanders