Arminius learned Latin and served in the Roman military, attaining citizenship and the rank of knight. He distinguished himself during the Great Illyrian Revolt then was deployed to Germania to aid the governor, Publius Quinctilius Varus, in conquering the Germanic tribes. However, while in this position, Arminius secretly conspired with his fellow Germans to revolt against Roman rule, culminating in the ambush and destruction of three Roman legions in the Teutoburg Forest.