Four Days in September: The Battle of Teutoburg by Jason R Abdale

Author:Jason R Abdale [Jason R Abdale]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-12-30T05:00:00+00:00

The Battle’s Time

We already have estimates of the numbers involved, but what other statistics do we know about the battle itself, such as the length or time of year? Cassius Dio gives the most detailed account of the battle, which he states lasted for four days. His account is the only one that gives a timeframe for the battle.

It is common knowledge among ancient and military historians that the battle took place in the year 9 AD, but during what time of year? At the excavation of the site, the skeleton of a mule was found with a bell around its neck. The bell had been stuffed with straw, presumably to keep it from making noise. Forensic analysis of the straw showed that it had been cut in late summer or early fall, placing the battle in late September.²⁵ So, not only did the battle’s date have a year, but also a month – September of 9 AD. The battle is popularly conceived as being begun on 9 September 9 AD, but this is a date that seems to be chosen at random. Forensic evidence places the battle at late summer/early autumn, which would make it fall somewhere in late September, not early September.

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