Battle of Arbalo

The Battle of Arbalo fought between the Romans and the Germani in 11 BC. It was part of the Drusus' campaigns (12–8 BC). This campaign started with the unstable north of the Roman Empire near Gaul, with the Germanic from the east of Gaul constantly attacking Rome, Augustus would send Drusus.

Battle of Arbalo
Part of the Early campaigns in Germania Campaigns of Drusus and Roman–Germanic Wars
Campaigns of Drusus
Date 11 BC Location Arbalo (not precisely identified) Result Roman victory
Belligerents
Roman Empire	Allied Germanic peoples, possibly including the: Cherusci Sicambri
Commanders and leaders
Drusus	Unknown, possibly Segimer
Strength
19,200–41,600 (estimated)	10,000–20,000 (estimated)
Casualties and losses
1,000–3,000 (estimated)	2,000–5,000 (estimated)

As part of operations by Augustus to secure the borders of the Roman Empire, Drusus, military commander and stepson of Augustus, was given the order to pacify the region on either side of the River Rhine. In spring 11 BC. he crossed the Rhine with his army and defeated the Usipetes. He built a bridge over the Lippe and marched through the territory of the Sugambri and the Cherusci to the Weser.

During its return march to the Rhine the army was lured into an ambush at a place called Arbalo.^[1] It was attacked in a narrow pass by Cherusci.^[2]

Using the element of surprise and their advantageous position, the Germans were winning until they decided to retreat for some time, allowing the Romans to break through the force defending one of the exits and escape.^[2] After the battle, Drusus would build a fortified fort where the battle take place.^[3] However, only 2 years after the battle of Arbalo, Drusus would pass away after falling off a horse.^[4]

Arbalo is thought to be near modern-day Hameln or Hildesheim.^[2] At the end of the campaign, The Roman was able to secure their lands to the north.

• Pliny, Nat. Hist. 11, 28, 55.
• Cassius Dio, Rom. Hist., 54, 32–36 and 55, 1–2.