3 – Battle of Mons Graupius (83/84)
Gnaeus Julius Agricola became the Governor of Britain in 78 AD and was charged with bringing Northern Britain under Roman control. He was exceedingly successful as he routinely quelled uprisings including revolts in Wales and by the Brigantes in Northern England. Events came to a head at the Battle of Mons Graupius in 83 or 84 AD. The exact location of the battle is unknown with as many as 29 different sites purported to be the battleground.
Indeed, the entire conflict is shrouded in mystery since the only account of it comes from Tacitus. We have to be careful when analyzing his version of events in this particular instance because Agricola was his son-in-law and the Roman commander at the battle. What we do know is that Agricola established fortifications between the Clyde and Forth rivers by 82 AD. He decided to press forward once his supply and troop lines in the south were set.
According to Tacitus, the Romans had 11,000 auxiliaries and four squadrons of cavalry against up to 30,000 members of the Caledonian Confederacy. After a brief exchange of missiles, the Romans marched forward in tight military formation. The enemy, used to small raids and tribal battles, rushed to meet the Romans chaotically. As a result, the auxiliaries were able to crush the tribes to the extent that the Romans were able to keep the legion in reserve throughout.
Tacitus claimed that the Romans lost 360 men compared to 10,000 Caledonian deaths. As it was normal for Roman writers to diminish their losses and exaggerate those of the enemy, his figures are highly suspect. However, the Caledonians did flee the field in what amounted to a significant Roman victory. Agricola did not get the chance to advance north because he was recalled to Rome, and the Romans never conquered modern day Scotland.