Varus
2 of the 7 encyclopedias on this shelf carry an entry for Varus. Both are reproduced below, so you can see where they agree and where they differ.
1000 Classical Characters (1900)
A cognomen in many Roman gentes, signified a person who had his legs bent inwards. Varus, Quintilius. A consul in B. c. 13 who was subsequently appointed governor of Syria, where he amassed enormous wealth. Afterwards he was made governor of Germany, but was defeated by the Germans under Arminius in a three-days' battle, in which the Roman legions were entirely annihilated. Varus himself committed suicide. The emperor, Augustus, who was old and infirm, gave way to the most violent grief, tearing his clothes and crying out : "Varus, Varus, give me back my legions." 2026 Editor's Note: The defeat of Publius Quinctilius Varus at the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest is considered a pivotal turning point in European history. The loss of three legions effectively ended Roman expansion into Germania, establishing the Rhine as the empire's long-term border. Centuries later, descendants of the very Germanic tribes that Augustus failed to conquer, such as the Suebi, would eventually invade the Roman Empire. (Ed: BR 2026-06-20)
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
PUBLIUS QUINTILIUS, a Roman general, celebrated in consequence of the great defeat that he suffered at the hands of Arminius, leader of the Germans. In 7 B. c., having received from Augustus the command to introduce the Roman jurisdiction into the German territory just conquered by Drusus, he was carrying out his mission when he was suddenly attacked by an immense host under Arminius, and his whole army was destroyed. Varus put an end to his own life. The exact scene of this battle is disputed. See ARMINIUS.