BattlefieldsAgricola's Destruction of the Ordovices
Roman Period

Agricola's Destruction of the Ordovices

77
Gwynedd, Wales
Also known as: Near-Extermination of the Ordovices 77 AD
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Gwynedd, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Ordovices
Forces
Ordovices: c. 8,000–10,000
VS
Victor
Rome (Agricola)
Forces
Rome: c. 12,000
Outcome
Almost the entire Ordovician tribe destroyed; tribe effectively eliminated as a military force
The Battle

History & Significance

The Ordovices had ambushed and destroyed a cavalry regiment just before Agricola arrived in Britain. Though it was near the campaigning season's end, Agricola immediately marched into their mountains and, according to Tacitus (his son-in-law), destroyed almost the entire tribe. The language is stark: Tacitus says he wanted to set a terrifying example at the outset of his command. This was followed immediately by the reconquest of Anglesey.

Casualties & Losses

Near-total destruction of the Ordovican fighting force (per Tacitus)

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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