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[[File:Otto Albert Koch Varusschlacht 1909.jpg|300px|thumb|left| A German painting of the Battle of Teutoburg Wood]]__NOTOC__

The Battle of Teutoburg Forest in 9 A. D was one of the most important in the classical world. The battle, which saw a confederation of German tribes, destroyed three legions that changed Roman history and altered the character of Europe. The battle was not only one of the greatest defeats ever inflicted on Rome, but it had momentous consequences. After it, Roman Emperors were very unwilling to expand the Empire, especially in Northern Europe.

This ironically may have been positive for the Romans because it helped to usher in a period of peace and prosperity. If the Romans had been able to secure Germania, they would have secured their borders much more effectively. From the mid-second century, the Germans periodically menaced the frontiers of the Roman Empire. If Varus had not been defeated, the Germans could have become loyal citizens such as the Franks and the Celts. Instead, the Germans would prove to be mortal enemies of the Empire for centuries and greatly contribute to the Empire's fall.

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