Gnaeus Julius Agricola

Gnaeus Julius Agricola (AD 39?? - AD 93), Roman general responsible for much of the Roman conquest of Britain. Appointed consul in AD 77, then governor of Britain in 78, he subdued Wales and northern England before invading Scotland. He defeated the Caledonians at the Battle of Mons Graupius, establishing Roman control over the southern part of Scotland. During this time, his fleet made the first known circumnavigation of Britain. He was recalled to Rome in 83, reputedly because of the costs of the campaign but more probably because his successes worried the emperor Domitian.

He owes much of his fame to the efforts of his son-in-law, the historian Tacitus, who chronicled his career.