Description

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In AD 77, Roman forces under Agricola marched into the northern reaches of Britain to pacify the Caledonian tribesman. For seven years, the Romans marched and battled across what is now Scotland. In AD 83, they fought the final battle at Mons Graupius where 10,000 Caledonians were slaughtered with only 360 Roman dead.How much of this is true? The climax of the “Agricola”, a near contemporary account of the career of Gnaeus Julius Agricola, governor of Britannia in the reigns of the Emperors Vespasian, Titus and Domitian by his son-in-law Tacitus is the main source. This account of a steady advance into northern Britain and sudden withdrawal matches closely the evidence available on the ground, and for many years remained uncritically accepted .However, archaeology carried out in recent years at Roman sites in Scotland and northern England have caused historians to cast a more sceptical eye over Tacitus’ account. Author Simon Forder considers the fine print of the 'Agricola', together with the implications of Ptolemy's' Geography', - and crucially triangulates these with the very latest archaeological finds to suggest a new narrative, including a new location for the battle itself.Mons Graupius has fascinated historians for centuries, not only because of the uncertainties but also because it marks the withdrawal of Rome from the north - and thus her eventual fall.

About the Author

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Simon Forder is a historian and castle expert and has traveled all over Great Britain, in mainland Europe and Scandinavia visiting fortified sites. For the past eight years he has been researching the much-neglected history of castles in his local area of Moray, visiting every site. He is the author of Fortress Scotland and Edinburgh Castle.