The Germanic Cherusci tribe is known for defeating Roman legions in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD. Led by the chieftain Arminius, the Cherusci successfully ambushed three Roman legions commanded by General Publius Quinctilius Varus. This battle marked a significant turning point in the Roman Empire's expansion into Germania. The defeat significantly weakened Roman authority in the region and halted their attempts to expand further into Germanic territories. The victory also fostered a sense of unity among various Germanic tribes, which ultimately contributed to the rise of Germanic resistance against Roman rule.