BattlefieldsAgricola Withdraws from Scotland after Mons Graupius 83 AD
Roman Period

Agricola Withdraws from Scotland after Mons Graupius 83 AD

83
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Also known as: Roman pursuit after Mons Graupius · Caledonians disperse after battle 83 AD
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Rome (pursuit frustrated)
VS
Victor
Caledonians (rearguard dispersal successful)
Outcome
Roman cavalry pursuit reached forest edge then halted; Caledonians dispersed into hills; hills empty next day; fleet dispatched on circumnavigation
The Battle

History & Significance

Tacitus describes the aftermath in haunting terms: the silence across the hills after the battle, the scattered bodies, the smouldering farms. Roman cavalry pursued the fleeing Caledonians but Agricola recalled them at the forest edge rather than risk losing his advantage in the trees. The next day confirmed the scale of the victory — the hills were empty and silent. The fleet was sent to circumnavigate Britain while the army returned south. Agricola was recalled shortly after.

Forces Involved

Roman auxiliary cavalry in pursuit; infantry securing the battlefield; fleet despatched on circumnavigation

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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