Despite a few historical discrepancies, this series manages to portray the brutality and the customs of both the Romans and the Germanic tribes. Like the Celts, the latter were deemed "barbaric" and kept bickering among themselves, which made it easier for the Roman Empire to occupy their land. I love that all Roman dialogue is in Latin; this certainly makes it more realistic.
Technically, the real Arminius married Thusnelda 5 years after the battle of Teutoburg, and not before, as depicted here. But many other details are accurate: Armenius' background story (though he wasn't really Varus' adopted son), Thusnelda's parents' allegiance to Rome, etc. The battle of Teutoburg forest, however, did not end in less than an hour, but took 3 days, and it wasn't 1500 Roman soldiers vs 1000 Germanic warriors, since about 15000 fighters actually died.
Regardless, the series is a decent, albeit gloomy production, with great chemistry between the main characters. Ari's portrayal and his interaction with his Varus steal the show.
I hope they make a second season.
Review of Barbarians
