Sextus Calpurnius Agricola facts for kids

Dedication to the god Sol Invictus, by a group of soldiers from the Legio VI Victrix under Agricola's command.

Sextus Calpurnius Agricola was an important Roman leader. He was a senator and a general in the 100s AD. He served as a special consul in 154 AD. A consul was like a top government official. We know about Agricola mostly from old writings carved into stone.

Who Was Sextus Calpurnius Agricola?

We don't know much about Agricola's early life. We also don't know where he was born. The name "Calpurnius" was common across the Roman Empire. However, the name "Sextus Calpurnius" was quite rare. Some historians think he might have been from a city called Cirta in Numidia. This area is in modern-day Algeria.

Agricola's Time as Governor

Agricola held several important jobs as a governor. These jobs were usually given to trusted Roman leaders.

Governor of Germania Superior

Around 158 AD, Agricola became the governor of Germania Superior. This was a Roman province located in parts of modern-day Germany and Switzerland.

Governor of Roman Britain

Later, in 161 or 162 AD, Agricola was sent to Britain. He stayed there as governor for several years. His time in Britain was very important.

In 163 AD, he faced some challenges. There were rebellions in the northern parts of Britain. Agricola worked to control these uprisings. He rebuilt many forts to strengthen Roman control. One famous fort he worked on was at Corbridge.

To deal with the threats, he moved Roman troops south. He brought them closer to Hadrian's Wall. This wall was a large barrier built across northern Britain. It helped protect the Roman parts from tribes further north.

There were signs of trouble in Britain during his rule. For example, parts of the Roman town of Viroconium Cornoviorum (Wroxeter) were damaged. Also, a large part of Verulamium (St Albans) was burned. These events show that it was a challenging time for the Roman Empire in Britain.

Other Governorships

Around 166 AD, Agricola was appointed as a special legate in Roman Dacia. This province is in modern-day Romania.

Between 168 and 169 AD, he also served as a governor of Moesia. This Roman province was located in the Balkans.

Images for kids

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  Dedication to the god Sol Invictus, by a group of soldiers from the Legio VI Victrix under Agricola's command.