In the year 9 A.D. three Roman legions were slaughtered in the Teutoburgerwald forest in Germany. This debacle ended Rome’s efforts to control Germanic tribes east of the Rhine River and establish a permanent presence. Now more than 150 years later, the emperor Marcus Aurelius, fully aware of the growing barbarian threat from the north, decides to implement his long-standing plan to again establish forts on the east side of the Rhine River.
The emperor appoints Marcus Livius Batallius as commander of the newly formed legion, VII FERRATA. His orders are to march into Germany, cross the Rhine and build two forts. The orders also read to engage a Germanic tribe, the Elani, whose reputation is most menacing of all tribes east of the Rhine.
This is a story of a clash of cultures, of a people ruled by omens and superstitions; of men and women bound by tradition, of soldiers who must obey orders; and of men willing to die for one another and not the glory of Rome.
