As part of operations by Augustus to secure the borders of the Roman Empire, Drusus, military commander and stepson of Augustus, was given the order to pacify the region on either side of the River Rhine.

He built a bridge over the Lippe and marched through the territory of the Sugambri and the Cherusci to the Weser.

During its return march to the Rhine the army was lured into an ambush at a place called Arbalo.

[2] Using the element of surprise and their advantageous position, the Germans were winning until they decided to retreat for some time, allowing the Romans to break through the force defending one of the exits and escape.

[3] However, only 2 years after the battle of Arbalo, Drusus would pass away after falling off a horse.