This website is about the ancient Roman governor of
Britain, Agricola.
Cnaeus Julius Agricola,
born in 40 A.D., led a rich and full life. A natural leader, Agricola held many political positions throughout his life, including:
Quaestor in Asia in 64, Praetor in Rome in 68, and Legatus Praetorius in Aquitania in 74-77, but he is most famous for
Governorship/Generalship in Britain in 78-84. While in power, Agricola was able to bring 90% of Britain under Roman controll,
an accomplishment, previously unequaled.
Agricola
was well known for his modesty, by channeling his praise towards a more important person, such as the Emperor. By doing this,
he unintentionally gained fame and respect. Agricola was also known for his courage, often seen marching into battle, ahead
of his troops. With these traits, it's no wonder he is considered the greatest Roman governor of Britain, ever.
10 aspects/moments/achievements
Blue= Achievement Red=Moment
Green=Aspect
1.Becoming the most
famous Roman Govrnor of Britain: In order for Agricola to achieve such fame required great courage,
patience, and understanding, all of which he had.
2. Conquering 90% of Britain:
Agricola was able to capure most of Britain only because of his brilliant tactics and governing strategies.
3. Winning the battle of Mount Graupius:
In the last battle of his last campaign, Agricola was greatly outnumbered, attacking, and on the lower
ground, yet due to his grat planning, he was able to pull through, and win the battle
with enemy casualties at around 10,000 VS Roman casualties at around 360.
4. Death of his mother and son: During his campaigns, Agricola lost his Mother to a cohort of his soldiers
that deserted and took up piracy, his only son to sickness. After these events, Agricola was describrd as noticeably quieter,
and more grave.
5. Aware of the world around
him: When Agricola retired and took up residence in Rome, he realised what a bad state the Roman
Empire was in. Not only was the Emperor (Domitian) a terrible ruler, but every where he turned people were corrupt. This probably
prompted him to consider the position of Emperor.
6. Marrying his daughter to Tacitus
the historian: Because he betrothed his daughter to Tacitus the Roman historian, Tacitus wrote his biography The
Agricola. The Agricola is really the only surviving writing about Agricola.
7. His campaigns in Britain: In what was most definitely the highlight of his career, Agricola observed the British people, and came to the conclusion
that they were not simply barbarians, but people fighting for their freedom and way of life, and could be treated as such,
which probably led to #8.
8. His treatment towards the British
People: After British slaves were captured, instead of treating them harshly, as warriors might be, the
slaves were treated quite fairly (as long as they worked). By using this tactic Agricola could win over the hearts and minds
of the British slaves much sooner. Over the course of his campaigns he even came to rely on some slaves as troops for his
armies.
9.His ingenuity and wisdom: Because of his
inteligence, (sending skilled soldiers to swim across to an island instead of on boats, or his precise building of forts)
Agricola's British campaigns were much easier than without it, and would have taken much longer.
10. The preservation of his fame even after death: Due to his immense popularity amongst the people, Agricola was chosen to be the next Emperor after Domitian. However
due to cruelty and a rumor that the Emperor had poisoned Agricola, the people lost faith in Domitian, which led to him being
"replaced" by Trajan.
This was the life of the Roman Governor, General, and Emperor-to-be, Agricola.
Some neat links
