Agricola (book)

Agricola is a historical and biographical work written by the Roman historian Tacitus, likely completed around 98 AD. Its full title is De vita et moribus Iulii Agricolae (On the Life and Character of Julius Agricola).

The book primarily concerns the life of Gnaeus Julius Agricola, Tacitus' father-in-law and a prominent Roman general and governor of Britain. While biographical, it also functions as a historical account of Roman Britain during Agricola's time, providing valuable insights into Roman expansion, military tactics, and the interactions between Roman administrators and the native Britons.

The work is divided into distinct sections. The initial chapters offer a brief overview of Agricola's early life and career before detailing his military service in Britain. Tacitus emphasizes Agricola's virtues, portraying him as a capable and just leader who brought Roman civilization to a wild and untamed land.

A significant portion of Agricola is devoted to describing Agricola's military campaigns in Britain, including the battles and strategies employed by both the Romans and the Britons. The book also includes ethnographic details about the native population, their customs, and their resistance to Roman rule. Tacitus explores the motivations behind Roman imperialism and offers commentary on the impact of Roman conquest on the conquered territories.

The latter part of the book focuses on Agricola's recall from Britain and his subsequent life in Rome. Tacitus alleges that Agricola's success aroused the jealousy of Emperor Domitian, leading to his premature death, though he avoids making direct accusations of foul play.

Agricola is considered a valuable historical source for understanding Roman Britain. However, it is important to recognize that it is written from a Roman perspective and is intended, in part, to eulogize its subject. It is also a work of literature, employing rhetorical techniques to create a vivid and compelling narrative. Therefore, information gleaned from Agricola should be considered alongside other historical and archaeological evidence to gain a more complete picture of Roman Britain.