Gnaeus Julius Agricola (June 13, 40 – August 23, 93) is a Roman general responsible for much of the Roman conquest of Britain.
His biography, the De vita et moribus Iulii Agricolae, is the first published work of his son-in-law, the historian Tacitus, and is the source for most of what is known about him.
Born to a noted political family, Agricola begins his military career in Britain, serving under governor Gaius Suetonius Paulinus.
His subsequent career sees him serve in a variety of positions; he is appointed quaestor in Asia province in 64, then Plebeian Tribune in 66, and praetor in 68.
He supports Vespasian during the Year of the Four Emperors (69), and is given a military command in Britain when the latter becomes emperor.
When his command ens in 73 he is made patrician in Rome and appointed governor of Gallia Aquitania.
He is made consul and governor of Britannia in 77.
While there, he conquers much of what is now Wales and northern England, and ventures into lowland Scotland, where he establishes Roman dominance for a time.
Some speculate that he may have launched an expedition into Ireland as well.
He is recalled from Britain in 85 after an unusually lengthy service, and thereafter retires from military and public life.
