BattlefieldsAgricola Engages Selgovae in Galloway Hills 81 AD
Roman Period

Agricola Engages Selgovae in Galloway Hills 81 AD

81
Scotland
Also known as: Roman assault on Galloway 81 AD · Selgovae resistance in southwest Scotland
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Selgovae / Novantae
Forces
Selgovae/Novantae c. 1,500–4,000.
VS
Victor
Rome (Agricola)
Forces
Roman forces c. 3,000–5,000
Outcome
Southwest Scotland raided and garrisoned; Agricola considered invading Ireland from here
The Battle

History & Significance

Tacitus records that Agricola in his fourth campaign subdued peoples as far as the Firth of Clyde and Firth of Forth, including the Selgovae and Novantae in the southwest. He established forts across Galloway, stood on the shore looking at Ireland and discussed invading it with an exiled Irish king. The Roman forts in Galloway at Glenlochar, Dalswinton, and Birrens reflect this campaign.

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