Definition of the glossary term Germanicus
The original Germanicus (39 B.C. - 9 B.C.) was born Nero Claudius Drusus, to Livia, wife of Augustus. His mother had been married before, to Tiberius Claudius Nero, so his father's identity is somewhat of a mystery to this day. He was known for his conquests in Germania, and held the position of praetor urbanus (city magistrate) in 11 B.C. He was quite popular with the Roman people, and was given the nickname "Germanicus", which was passed on to his oldest son before his death in 9 B.C. of wounds from a horse riding accident.
His son, Germanicus, born Germanicus Julius Caesar (15 B.C. - A.D. 19), was a legendary military commander in Germania, and was highly popular, like his father, for his victories there. Despite his victories there, he remained personally embattled that he could not completely wipe out the Germanic people, whom he had forced to retreat into the remote areas. He was highly regarded for returning the Roman standards in A.D. 15, and thus earned Rome's eternal respect.
