Three full Roman legions under Varus - 20,000 veteran troops - were wiped out in the battle of the Teutoburger Wald by Teutons under the command of one Arminius, a local chieftain.  The shock of this defeat, the worst Rome had suffered since that Hannibal inflicted at Cannae more than two centuries earlier, led Rome to attempt no activity beyond the Rhine thereafter.  The culminating event for the Teutons was among the most profound of the millennium: King Odovacer invaded Italy in 476AD and deposed the final Emperor, Romulus.   Odovacer claimed for himself the title of Rex – Sole Ruler.  His claim went unchallenged by the Eastern Emperor in Constantinople, who relinquished Europe.  The Western Roman Empire was finished at the hand of Odovacer the Teuton.

The Teutons begin the game as the principal occupant of Germania.  Throughout his long reign, Odovacer exhibited the qualities necessary to hold a kingdom together and to go beyond to become The Rex.  As such, no kingdom begins with higher Rulership than does Odovacer.  Shrewd Teuton players should be sure to take advantage of the extra commands available to them every turn.   Teuton brigades have well equipped missile troops as well as good infantry.  Together that makes them among the best attacking population centers as well.