Battlefields›Battle of Mons Graupius
Roman Period

Battle of Mons Graupius

84
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Caledonian tribes (Calgacus)
Forces
Caledonians: c.30,000 (Tacitus).
VS
Victor
Rome (Agricola)
Forces
Rome: c.7,000 (mixed legionary/auxiliary)
Outcome
Roman victory; Caledonian confederation broken
The Battle

History & Significance

Rome's furthest advance into Scotland. Tacitus records Calgacus's speech before the battle — the first recorded voice of Scotland. Despite the victory, Rome never conquered Caledonia permanently. Exact site remains disputed — candidates include Bennachie, Durno, and Raedykes in Aberdeenshire.

Casualties & Losses

c.10,000 Caledonians killed; 360 Romans

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Battle of Mons Graupius

Montrose's Camp, earthwork
Scheduled monument · ~1.5 miles
Mains of Hatton, stone circle 575m NNW of
Scheduled monument · Bronze Age · ~3.4 miles
Corrydown, stone circle 150m NE of
Scheduled monument · Bronze Age · ~3.8 miles
Upperthird,stone circle 300m W of
Scheduled monument · Bronze Age · ~4.4 miles
North Pitglassie, stone circle 1320m SW of
Scheduled monument · Bronze Age · ~4.4 miles
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