BattlefieldsAgricola Circumnavigation Squadron Engages Northern Tribes 83-84 AD
Roman Period

Agricola Circumnavigation Squadron Engages Northern Tribes 83-84 AD

83–84
Scotland
Also known as: Classis Britannica northern voyage 83 AD · Roman fleet Orkney contact
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Naval Engagement
Location
Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Caledonian coastal tribes
VS
Victor
Rome (Agricola fleet)
Outcome
Fleet circumnavigated Britain; Orkney islands contacted; confirmed Britain was an island
The Battle

History & Significance

Tacitus records that Agricola ordered the fleet to circumnavigate Britain, confirming it was an island. The fleet encountered the Orkney islands — Tacitus calls them Orcades — and received submission from them. This naval circumnavigation was a propaganda achievement as much as a military one, but the fleet also conducted raids and maintained supply lines for the army operating far north.

Forces Involved

Classis Britannica under a naval prefect

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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