Barbarians (Series)

Barbarians (original German title: Barbaren), is a German historical drama series created by Andreas Heckmann, Arne Nolting, and Jan Martin Scharf, and released on the Netflix platform between 2020 and 2022. The production centers on events from antiquity, with the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 CE as its focal point. Comprising two seasons and a total of 12 episodes, the series was filmed in German and Latin to enhance authenticity. It aims to reinterpret the historical tensions between the Roman Empire and Germanic tribes through a dramatic narrative.

Plot

The series centers on the identity conflict and rebellion of Arminius, a Germanic man who was captured by the Romans as a child and raised among them. Serving as an officer in the Roman army, Arminius gradually reconnects with his ethnic roots and resolves to resist Roman oppression against the Cherusci and other tribes in Germania. With the support of his childhood friends Thusnelda and Folkwin, he seeks to unite various Germanic tribes against a common enemy. This effort forms the basis of the historic military campaign known as the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, which resulted in the destruction of three Roman legions. The series explores not only this historical conflict but also themes of allegiance, betrayal, identity, and power.

Still from the Series (IMDb)

Themes

Barbarians explores themes of identity conflict, loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle for freedom. While focusing on the historical tensions between the Roman Empire and Germanic tribes, the series also examines the value conflicts individuals face within their social structures. Through historical fiction, the production addresses issues such as power dynamics and cultural assimilation within a broader societal context.

Production Team

• Directors: Barbara Eder, Steve Saint Leger, Stefan Ruzowitzky, Lennart Ruff
• Writers: Andreas Heckmann, Arne Nolting, Jan Martin Scharf
• Producers: Sabine de Mardt, Andreas Bareiss, Rainer Marquass
• Director of Photography: Christian Stangassinger
• Music: Ali N. Askin, Maurus Ronner, Volker Bertelmann
• Production Companies: Gaumont GmbH

Cast

• Laurence Rupp – Arminius
• Jeanne Goursaud – Thusnelda
• David Schütter – Folkwin Wolfspeer
• Gaetano Aronica – Publius Quinctilius Varus
• Bernhard Schütz – Segestes
• Nicki von Tempelhoff – Segimer
• Eva Verena Müller – Irmina
• Daniel Donskoy – Flavus
• Murathan Muslu – Marbod
• Alessandro Fella – Germanicus
• Giovanni Carta – Tiberius
• Cynthia Micas – Dido

Production and Broadcast Information

• Air Date: 23 October 2020 – 21 October 2022
• Number of Episodes: 2 seasons, 12 episodes
• Episode Duration: 41–51 minutes
• Broadcast Platform: Netflix
• Genre: Historical drama, Action
• Language: German, Latin
• Country: Germany

Technical Features

Barbarians employs extensive set designs and period-accurate costumes to reflect the atmosphere of the era. The cinematography is notable for its preference for natural lighting and heavy use of outdoor locations. In battle scenes, close-up shots and rhythmic editing techniques stand out, while the music serves as a key element in reinforcing the dramatic tone. These elements are structured to visually and aurally strengthen the series’ historical context.

Release and Impact

Barbarians, reached a wide audience through digital platforms upon its release. The series has been the subject of various evaluations due to the intensity of its battle scenes and its dramatic narrative within a historical framework. While some critics questioned its historical accuracy and narrative style, audience interest sparked widespread discussion. It is regarded as a notable example within the historical drama genre for its focus on the ancient Roman-Germanic relationship.

Awards and Nominations

• 2021 Romy Awards – Best Production (Nomination)
• 2021 German Television Academy Awards – Best Makeup (Winner)
• 2021 German Television Academy Awards – Best Producer (Nomination)
• 2021 German Television Academy Awards – Best VFX/Animation (Nomination)