Hermann Victory Celebration

Hermann's Victory
New Ulm, MN
September 18, 19 & 20, 2009

Roman soldier reenactors lined up for a photo op on Saturday afternoon before their battle with the barbarians in the forests at New Ulm MN. (Some of these guys dished out $2000 for a costume they wore for an afternoon battle lasting 30 minutes!)

2000 years ago Roman soldiers were in fact defeated in a three day battle in the Teutoburg Forest of what is now Germany.

Many New Ulm residents and Roman reenactors from throughout the US took part in the afternoon battle.

The barbarians were waiting to ambush the Roman legions as they headed back to their winter camp along the Rhine River in 9 A.D.

The barbarians were led by Arminius who later became known as Hermann. "The victory is regarded pivotal in world history because it curtailed Roman expansion and shaped the foundations for modern Europe".

Several thousand people lined the ball field fence and hill side below the Hermann Monument to watch the battle.

It was a gorgeous afternoon in New Ulm MN, just perfect for drinking Schell's beer, listening to polka music and watching a group of dedicated people honor a battle that took place 2000 years ago.

Info from the back of the post card commemorating the event:
Hermann, a Cheruscan chieftain, spearheaded the struggle to defend Germanic tribes against the roman Imperial Army. In the autumn of A.D.9 Hermann assembled a coalition of tribes and annihilated three Roman Legions commanded by Quinctilius Varus in the Teutoburg Forest. The defeat, known as "die Varusschlacht" (Varus Battle) resulted in Caesar Augustus and Rome abandoning efforts to conquer Central Europe thereafter. The 2000th anniversary of Hermann's victory is being celebrated jointly in Germany and in New Ulm, MN, the most German city in America, home of the magnificent Hermann Monument.