arminius, the german leader, understood both the strengths and weaknesses of the roman army. he knew not to attack roman legions in open battle. in the teutoburg forest he lured the 17th, 18th and 19th legions into an ambush. the battle was fought in several places during the encounter. those who were not killed were taken captive. when emperor augustus heard the news he supposedly cried out "quintilius varus, give me back my legions!" the numbers xvii (17), xviii (18) and xix (19) were never again used as legion numbers.