Agricola, Gnaeus Julius (40-93)

Roman general and politician. Born at Forum Julii (Fréjus) in Provence, he became consul in 77, and then governor of Britain 78-85. He extended Roman rule to the Firth of Forth in Scotland and in 84 won the Battle of Mons Graupius. His fleet sailed round the north of Scotland and proved Britain an island.

Agricola served in Britain as tribune about 60/61 and legate about 70-73/74 before his unusually long appointment as governor. He campaigned in North Wales and Anglesey before carrying the conquest of Britain north to the Firth of Forth-Clyde line. After defeating the British tribes in 84 the Romans claimed that the whole island was under their control.

The Roman historian Tacitus was the son-in-law of Agricola and wrote a favourable biography of him, providing much information about him and his campaigns.