Maroboduus (also known as Marbod, although this name is a later reconstruction) is a commander of the Marcomans in the 1st century AD.
Maroboduus spent his childhood in Rome, probably as collateral for his parents' behavior. Taking hostages was a regular practice at that time. Strabo also reported that he was a favorite of Augustus. Upon his return to the Marcomans area, he seized power, probably supported by the Romans with the purpose of installing a puppet regime.
He maintained strict discipline among his troops (almost Roman, according to Velleius Paterculus) and could bring 70,000 foot soldiers and 4000 riders into the field at the height of his power. Opposed to the Romans, his policy was not provocative, but they were convinced that the Marcomans could defend themselves. Maroboduus concluded a peace treaty with Tiberius, which he actually underwent.
In (approx.) 17 AD. he called out to King of Sueben, with which he fought a large portion of his compatriots in the armor. He came into conflict with the Cherus, but the Semnons and Longobards chose the side of Arminius. Inguiomerus, the uncle of Arminius, chose the side of Maroboduus, because he said that he was too old to listen to his cousin's orders. Maroboduus suggested him to the tribes chosen by Arminius.
It came to a battle that lost Maroboduus. After that, his position becomes very shaky and shortly afterwards he was deposed on Drusus's initiation by Maroboduus banned Catualda during a coup. Maroboduus then fled across the Danube to Roman area, and spent the rest of his life as a balling in Ravenna. Ancient sources
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