Battle of

1
Battle of Mons Graupius
2
Agricola

• Gnaius Julius Agricola (Governor of Britannia
  77-83/84) had forced his way northward through
  Brigantian territory and now threatened the
  tribes of, what is now, southern Scotland.

3
Frontier on Forth/Clyde line may have been
established.
Votadini may have allied themselves with Rome.
Traprain Law not sacked.
Selgovae hillfort of Eildon Hill sacked
Novantae hillfort of Loudon Hill sacked
VOTADINI
SELGOVAE
Army advances northwards between tribal
territories, separating them with roads and
forts en route.
NOVANTAE
Agricola sails from Deva to subdue Novantae
4
Prelude to Battle

• AD 83/84
• Agricola advances farther northwards in to the
  Caledonian heartland.
• So far, the various tribes of the north have
  evaded open battle with the Romans.
• Now, under the presumed leadership of Calgacus,
  the combined forces of the Caledonians have
  decided to confront the Roman army at a location
  known as Mons Graupius.

5
Caledonians gather their forces
N
Broch-builders
Battle of Mons Graupius
Army advances along east coast
Caledonii
Fleet raids native supply posts
Agricola overwinters near the Tay
Army advances to Forth/Clyde isthmus
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Woods
Cavalry, with specialist troops, pursue
Caledonians
Auxiliaries drawn out to avoid being outflanked
Caledonians arranged in tiers on slope with van
on high ground
Roman Auxiliary infantry led by Agricola with
cavalry on the wings
Caledonian Chariots
Reserve cavalry rout Caledonians from behind
their lines
Roman Camp
Caledonians mass, exchange missiles, and attack
Auxiliaries
Vexillations of Legions II Adiutrix pia fidelis,
II Augusta, IX Hispana and XX Valeria Victrix,
with cavalry, in reserve
Remaining Caledonians flee
Cavalry deal with Chariots
7
Aftermath

• During the battle, the Caledonians lost an
  estimated 10000 men whilst the Romans lost only
  360.
• Following his victory at Mons Graupius, Agricola
  was recalled by the jealous emperor, Domitian.
• The Caledonians and their territory remained
  unconquered, and the Romans were to find it a
  troublesome region for the rest of their time in
  Britannia.