Review of the Netflix series "Barbarians".

This series has generated much expectation and debate among fans of history and film productions about antiquity. Based on the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, where Germanic tribes faced and defeated the Roman legions, "Barbarians" offers us a dramatized vision of these events. Here, we will explore the successes and failures of this series, and how it relates to historical representation in film.

A Fascinating Historical Context

"Barbarians" is set at a crucial time in Roman history, when the Roman Empire was expanding and facing resistance on its borders. The series focuses on the figure of Arminius, a German chieftain who was raised and trained by the Romans, but who ultimately led a rebellion against them.

The Effort in Linguistic Authenticity

One of the first notable aspects of "Barbarians" is its effort to recreate the Latin and Germanic languages ​​of the time. The use of Latin with a pronunciation that attempts to be historically accurate is a detail that history lovers will appreciate. Although complete accuracy in the Germanic languages ​​presented cannot be guaranteed, the effort in this regard is notable and adds a layer of authenticity to the series.

Successes in Clothing and Art Direction

The series is notable for its recreation of the clothing of both the Romans and the Germans. The Roman armor, helmets, and uniforms are well done, avoiding the anachronistic errors common in many historical productions. Likewise, the representation of Germanic clothing with fabrics and skins is also well cared for, although the representation of Germanic settlements could have been more ambitious in terms of scale and detail.

Criticisms and Controversial Aspects

Despite its successes, "Barbarians" makes several mistakes that have been the subject of criticism. One of the main problems is its tendency to exaggerate German nationalism and present the Romans as one-dimensional villains. This simplistic approach can distort the historical perception of the conflict.

Politicization and Political Correctness

Another controversial aspect is the inclusion of characters and plots that seem to respond more to modern agendas than to historical reality. For example, the introduction of characters from Carthage in an unrealistic context and the relationships established between the characters sometimes seem forced.

Comparisons with Other Historical Productions

The series has been compared to other historical productions such as HBO's "Gladiator" and "Rome." While “Gladiator” and “Rome” managed to create immersive and complex atmospheres, “Barbarians” sometimes falls into oversimplification and a narrative that seeks to please modern sensibilities at the expense of historical accuracy.

Final thoughts

"Barbarians" is a series worth watching for its attempt to recreate a fascinating period in history and for some of its successes in visual and linguistic authenticity. However, it is important to see it with a critical perspective and complement the experience with more rigorous historical readings to obtain a complete and nuanced vision of the events represented.

For those interested in exploring more about the history of Rome and its conflicts with the Germanic tribes, we recommend books such as "The Gallic War" by Julius Caesar and "Germania" by Tacitus. These works offer a direct vision of the time and the characters that marked history.

We hope you enjoy the series and join us for our upcoming talks and analyzes about the ancient world!

Here you can check out our full talk about the Netflix series "Barbarians":