Publius Quinctilius Varus

Quick Facts: Who was Publius Quinctilius Varus?

Subject:

Publius Quinctilius Varus

Known for:

Roman general whose defeat at Teutoburg Forest halted Roman expansion into Germania.

Born:

46 BC

Died:

9

Century / Era:

-46s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Publius Quinctilius Varus (46 BC or before – September AD 9) was a Roman general and politician. Serving under Augustus, the founder of the Roman Empire, he is generally remembered for having lost three Roman legions in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest and subsequently committing suicide to avoid capture (as well as execution) and shameful reproach. Varus's defeat to the Germanic tribes led by Arminius is considered to be one of the most important events in European history, as it dissuaded the Romans from further expanding into Germania and thus prevented the Romanization of the Germanic peoples to the east of the Rhine. Although he was a patrician by birth, Varus's family, the Quinctilii Vari, had long been impoverished and was unimportant; Ronald Syme notes, "The sole and last consul of that family", Sextus Quinctilius, "had been two years antecedent to the Decemvirs" (i.e., 453 BC). His father, Sextus Quinctilius Varus, was a senator who had served as a quaestor in 49 BC.

Career & Major Achievements

This Sextus aligned with the Senatorial Party in the civil war against Julius Caesar. Although Sextus survived the defeat, it is unknown whether he was involved in the assassination of Julius Caesar. Sextus killed himself after the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC. The mother of Varus is unknown; Syme notes that "no relatives on either side of the family can be discovered or surmised." Varus had three sisters, all named Quinctilia. They were probably all younger based on when they started having children, so it seems likely he was born at least four years before his father's suicide.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The fact that they had advantageous marriages indicates someone was involved in their upbringing. One sister married Publius Cornelius Dolabella, consul of 35 BC; another married Sextus Appuleius, consul of 29 BC; and the third married Lucius Nonius Asprenas, son of the consul of 36 BC. Varus married Vipsania, the daughter of Marcus Agrippa, at an unknown date before 13 BC. Varus became a personal friend to Marcus Agrippa and Tiberius. Vipsania later disappears from history.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 46 BC: Birth of Publius Quinctilius Varus — Roman general whose defeat at Teutoburg Forest halted Roman expansion into Germania.
2. 9: Passing & Historical Legacy — Publius Quinctilius Varus passed away on 9, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Publius Quinctilius Varus

True or False: “Did Varus's failure to conquer Germania prevent the Romans from ever establishing permanent control over the region east of the Rhine?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While his defeat was a major blow, Roman influence and limited military presence in parts of Germania persisted for centuries.

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• Cicero — Contemporary figure (Died in -43) (-43): Preeminent Roman orator, statesman, and philosopher of the late Republic.
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• -46 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -46
• 9 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 9

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