Agricola
Patrick Cone
Dr. Emily Mieras
10 September 2013
Early English History
The British Standpoint When taking a brief glimpse back to the beginnings of English history, it is clear that many different cultures had a great impact on the people in England. Arguably the most significant influence on early English society was the Roman culture. This may come as a surprise to most, considering the distance between the England and Rome. Yet, it is very accurate. As a whole, the emperors of Rome had a singular goal of conquering the lands of the known world. After years of conquest, an island off the coast of Lower Germania and Belgica1 came into view to the Roman soldiers. This of course was what we know today as England. There is no doubt, after many years of Roman war and rule, that the culture of England was affected by Roman culture. However, what is not certain is how the British reacted to this Roman presence. It is here that an ancient text will be utilized: Agricola by Tacitus. In review of this writing, it can be inferred that the British felt not only aggrieved, but also threatened, and vengeful. These feelings culminate when the natives of Caledonia turn to armed resistance against the Roman rulers2. Before to discussing the British reaction to Roman presence, it is very important to comprehend why Tacitus writes the way he does in Agricola. It is mentioned on the cover of the book the vital fact that Julius Agricola was a highly respected man, being “the most famous governor of Roman Britain.” Meaning, on a very basic level, Tacitus would have no option but to write in glorification of Agricola, lest fall prey to the anger of all those who loved Agricola. Tacitus would also celebrate Agricola’s life because he is married to Agricola’s daughter. It states in the text that Agricola’s daughter was a true blessing for Agricola since his first born child died not long after birth3. Furthermore, Tacitus felt very deeply for Agricola’s daughter.
Dr. Emily Mieras
10 September 2013
Early English History
The British Standpoint When taking a brief glimpse back to the beginnings of English history, it is clear that many different cultures had a great impact on the people in England. Arguably the most significant influence on early English society was the Roman culture. This may come as a surprise to most, considering the distance between the England and Rome. Yet, it is very accurate. As a whole, the emperors of Rome had a singular goal of conquering the lands of the known world. After years of conquest, an island off the coast of Lower Germania and Belgica1 came into view to the Roman soldiers. This of course was what we know today as England. There is no doubt, after many years of Roman war and rule, that the culture of England was affected by Roman culture. However, what is not certain is how the British reacted to this Roman presence. It is here that an ancient text will be utilized: Agricola by Tacitus. In review of this writing, it can be inferred that the British felt not only aggrieved, but also threatened, and vengeful. These feelings culminate when the natives of Caledonia turn to armed resistance against the Roman rulers2. Before to discussing the British reaction to Roman presence, it is very important to comprehend why Tacitus writes the way he does in Agricola. It is mentioned on the cover of the book the vital fact that Julius Agricola was a highly respected man, being “the most famous governor of Roman Britain.” Meaning, on a very basic level, Tacitus would have no option but to write in glorification of Agricola, lest fall prey to the anger of all those who loved Agricola. Tacitus would also celebrate Agricola’s life because he is married to Agricola’s daughter. It states in the text that Agricola’s daughter was a true blessing for Agricola since his first born child died not long after birth3. Furthermore, Tacitus felt very deeply for Agricola’s daughter.