Publius Quinctilius Varus - in Fiction

In Fiction

  • I, Claudius (1934) by Robert Graves, a novelization of the reigns of the first four emperors. Varus does not actually appear in the novel, but his defeat by the Germans is an important event.
  • The Iron Hand of Mars (1994) by Lindsey Davis; fourth book of the mystery series set during the reign of Vespasian, a portion of the novel occurs in the Teutoburger Wald.
  • Give Me Back My Legions! (2009) by Harry Turtledove, which details the events leading up to the battle, including a great deal of background information on Varus himself.
  • Grandson of Herod (2012) by Joseph Raymond, novel of historical fiction utilizing the Robert Graves premise that Jesus was the Grandson of Herod the Great. Varus presides over the trial of Prince Antipater, Herod's eldest son, on the charge of attempted patricide. In the novel, Varus takes a bribe from Herod to recommend the execution of Antipater to Augustus Caesar.

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