Angrivarii
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The Angrivarii were a Germanic tribe of the early Roman Empire mentioned briefly in Ptolemy as the Angriouarroi (Ptolemy's Greek given in Roman letters here), which transliterates into Latin Angrivari. They are believed to be the source of the 8th century identity, Angrarii, which was one of three subdivisions of Saxony (the others were Westfalahi and Ostfalahi). The name appears earliest in the Annales and Germania of Tacitus as Angrivarii.
In post-classical times the name of the people had a number of different spellings in addition to the ones just mentioned: Angarii, Aggeri, Aggerimenses, Angerienses, Angri, Angeri. They lived in a district called Angria, Angaria, Angeriensis, Aggerimensis and Engaria.
The last district name cited above gives their identity away. Quite simply, they lived in Engern, a region west of the Weser River not far from Teutoburg Forest, and also (probably by extension) in Angeron of Münster. Ancient Engern was a much larger district than today's community, comprising most of the country surrounding the middle Weser, including both flat land, as around Minden, and low hills (Holtzminden). It became part of today's Westphalia.
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[edit] The name
Angrivarii is segmented Angri-varii and means "the men of Engern", parallel to Ampsi-varii, "the men of the Ems." For the first segment, Julius Pokorny gives the most sweeping view, deriving it from an Indo-European root, *ank-, "to bend, bow", from which Old High German Angar, German Anger, "meadow, pasture." Most accept the meadow connection, even though it is not Low German, but many do not accept the "bend" connection. If true, the meadow sense is most likely to be a valley meadow or undulating country. For a similar segment, see under Angeln.
The second segment is from Indo-European *wiro-, "man". For a similar segment, see under Ampsivarii.
[edit] Ancient history
Although the Angrivarii receive brief mention in Ptolemy (2.10) and the Germania of Tacitus (33), they appear mainly at several locations in Annales. They were involved marginally in the wars fought by the talented Germanicus Caesar on behalf of his uncle Tiberius, emperor of Rome, against the perpetrators of the massacre of three Roman legions in the Battle of Teutoburg Forest, the year 9.
The wars began in the last years of the reign of Augustus, first emperor of Rome. Augustus died an old but respected man in the year 14 and was celebrated with much pomp and splendor. He left a document to be read to the senate posthumously, expressly forbidding extension of the empire beyond the Rhine. The Germans were encouraged by news of this testament to think they had a free hand in the region. Germanicus found it necessary to pacify the border, which he did by a combination of stick and carrot, the former being expeditions to devastate, and the latter being alliance with favors from Rome.
Germanicus had other reasons as well. The army of lower Germany had mutinied at the death of Augustus following a similar mutiny in Pannonia. Concessions were made, mutineers were executed, and soldiers won over by some of the world's best oratory. However, Germanicus knew he had to keep the soldiers busy, which he did by attacking the early Franks.
For punitive expeditons Germanicus used the Ems river, which flowed from the heart of the country occupied by the tribes that became the Franks. These were still under Arminius, the hero (or villain) of the great battle of 9. His native tribe was the Cherusci. These early Franks were indomitable, unforgiving and ruthless. Nearby were tribes that later came under the Saxons, such as the Angrivarii. Their status was somewhat equivocal.
In Annales ii.8 we read of the "revolt" (defectio) of the Angrivarii in the middle of operations conducted against Teutoburg Forest again. A revolt imples a former alliance. Germanicus must have taken pains to secure the non-participation of the future Saxons. In any case he was ready. Cavalry was sent to the rear to bring fire and sword to the hapless Angrivarii, who capitulated almost immediately.
In ii.19 the Angrivarii again supported the Cherusci against the Romans, setting an ambush at the Cheruscan border, which was a high dirt embankment. They hid their cavalry in the woods and stationed their infantry on the reverse slope of the bank. The Romans had intelligence of the plan beforehand. They assaulted the embankment, preceding their assault with volleys from slings and spears thrown by machines. Driving the Angrivarii from the bank, they went on to pursue the cavalry in the woods. Once again the Angrivarii were totally routed.
In ii.22, Germanicus finished his business with the Cherusci and turned with the intent of annihilating the treacherous Angrivarii. They, however, surrendered unconditionally to the general sent by Germanicus and placed themselves in the status of suppliants, begging for mercy. The noble Germanicus could not resist the gesture and forgave them totally.
He did not regret it, according to ii.24. Shortly a storm in the North Sea scattered the departing Roman fleet. Many ships were cast up on the shores of undefeated tribes. The Angrivarii played a major role in securing the return of ships and men.
Finally, on May 26 of the year 16, Germanicus celebrated a triumph for his victory over lower Germany and his uncle sent him off to the east (ii.41). Arminius died. The Germanics of west Germany began a love affair with Rome, providing it with elite troops and urban and palace police. The Saxons, named for the short swords carried by their officers, were a vital part of this effort. Among them were the men of Engern.
