Drusus the Elder

Nero Claudius Drusus Germanicus (14 Jan 38 – 14 Dec 9 BCE) was an influential Roman Politician and General responsible for the attempt to conquer Germania. He was the stepson of Augustus and the brother of Tiberius.. His children were the General Germanicus, the Emperor Claudius and Livilla.
The Roman Senate posthumously awarded him the title ‘Germanicus’, a title that remained in the Julio-Claudian family. His ashes were buried in the Mausoleum of Augustus

Governor of Gaul (15-9 BCE)
- In 15 BCE Drusus was made Governor of Gaul which included all three divisions. Gallia Belgica extended all the way up to the Rhine. He made his base Lyon (Lugdunum) from where he conducted operations.
- A Census was held to raise taxes and a Mint established in Lyon (Lugdunum) to pay coin to the Legions on the Rhine.
- In 12 BCE the Gauls rebelled against the taxation but were ruthlessly suppressed.
The Rhine Frontier
- Drusus first built 50 forts along the Rhine.
- He built the Legionary Fortresses at Strasbourg, Mainz and Xanten.
Drusus invades Germania (12-9 BCE)
- Then in 12 BCE with up to seven Legions, he and his brother Tiberius proceeded to invade Germania and defeat one German Tribe after another.
- He embarked his Legions on a Fleet and navigated the North Sea to the River Ems.
- He campaigned in Germania in 11, 10 and 9 BCE.
Drusus reaches the River Elbe (9 BCE)
- Finally, in 9 BCE he advanced to the River Elbe.
Death of Drusus (9 BCE)
- At the Elbe, he was injured when he fell off his horse and died of his injuries.

Xanten, Germany