Battlefields›Caledonian Rearguard Action in the Forests after Mons Graupius 83 AD
Roman Period

Caledonian Rearguard Action in the Forests after Mons Graupius 83 AD

83
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Also known as: Caledonian withdrawal after Mons Graupius · Roman pursuit through Aberdeenshire forests
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Rome (pursuit frustrated)
Forces
Caledonians: c.3,000-5,000 rearguard.
VS
Victor
Caledonians (rearguard success)
Forces
Rome: c.5,000-10,000 pursuit force
Outcome
Roman pursuit checked by Caledonian rearguard in forested terrain; survivors dispersed into the hills
The Battle

History & Significance

Tacitus notes that after Mons Graupius the Caledonians fled into the forests and mountains, making pursuit impossible. Scattered groups turned on Roman pursuers in the tree-line. Agricola ordered his forces not to penetrate the forests, a prudent decision that prevented the victory from turning into disaster. The Caledonians lost the battle but preserved enough warriors to continue resistance.

Casualties & Losses

Tacitus claims 10,000 Caledonians killed at Mons Graupius; Roman casualties 360 killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Caledonian Rearguard Action in the Forests after Mons Graupius 83 AD

Cothill,symbol stone 600m NE of Craigmyle House
Scheduled monument · ~0.8 miles
Glassel,stone circle,Bogarn Wood
Scheduled monument · Bronze Age · ~1.2 miles
Kincardine o'Neil, old church and hospital
Scheduled monument · Medieval · ~3 miles
Hill of Bandodle, farmstead 210m SSE of
Scheduled monument · Post-Medieval · ~3.6 miles
Auchmore Farm, hut circle 80m NW of
Scheduled monument · ~3.7 miles
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