: : : : Their tactics need not be based directly on modern warfare techniques, however. Classical (and perhaps medieval) writers record ambushes very similar to that set up by Faramir. I know that Roman cohorts were wiped out by the Celts of Britain in this way on more than one occasion.

: : : >> I seem to remember Germanic tribes employing something similar- I think it was at a place called Teutoburger Wald, ever heard of that?
: : : (tongue in cheek, I wrote my BA thesis on that battle and ensuing campaign).
: : : ;-) palle

: : "Varus give me back my legions!" - The sound of Augustus' head hitting the door frame.

: Exactly, I just love that scene, the Princeps of the mightiest realm of the world banging his head against a doorframe (or wall or with his hands depening on source). Martin, do you read German or Danish (optimistic, german is not unlikely though), if you do, I have some interesting books for you on the Germanic culture of that time.

I'm afraid my linguistic abilities are very scant. I can read French, make some sense out of most Anglo-Saxon and Latin texts, and have a little conversational Spanish. When asked at school if I wanted to take German I declined - not enough motivation, despite having some German relatives.

: "for the duration of a month, Augustus let his hair and beard grow wild and hammered his head into the doorframes while shouting; "Quintillius Varus, give me my legions back". (Sueton)
: There seems to be a very interesting story behind the defeat. One being played out behind the scenes in the dark woodlands of the Cherusci tribe, and one that led to Arminus (Hermann?) changing sides and defeating the might of the roman empire.
: :-) Palle "Neithan" Rasmussen

A major turning point in history, but the motivations of some of the participants are obscure.