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This [Boadicea’s revolt] was the last serious conflict between the native Britons and the Romans in the center and south of the island; later military campaigns were mostly in Scotland and Wales, and the efforts of the governors were devoted to organizing the province, civilizing the nations, and administering the government over them and over the immigrants from other parts of the Roman Empire that now came to live among them. The beginning of this work of conquest in the north and civilization in the south was made under Agricola and is described by Tacitus.
17. Agrico-
la’s cam-
paign in
Caledonia or
Scotland,
A. D. 80
The third year of the expedition brought to light new tribes, which were attacked even as far as the Tyne (the name of an estuary). The enemy were thoroughly terrified by this attack, and although afflicted by severe weather did not dare move against our army, so there was time for constructing redoubts. Those skilled in such things remarked that no other general had chosen such excellent sites: not a fort erected by Agricola was either captured by storm or left because of capitulation 27and evacuation; for they were strengthened against a siege by provisions enough to last a year. The winter brought no fear; there were frequent sallies; the enemy were baffled and in despair on this account because they were accustomed for the most part to make good the losses of the summer in the winter, and now they were discomfited summer and winter equally. Nor did Agricola every appropriate greedily any deed performed by another; whether centurion or prefect, he always had in him an impartial witness to his deed. Among some he was spoken of as too harsh in censure, and just as he was courteous to the good, so he was severe towards the evil. But none of his anger remained in secret, so that no one needed to fear his silence; and he considered it more honorable to give offense than to hate. . . .
17. Civilizing the
natives
The next winter was occupied with laying most advantageous plans. In order that these men living far apart, unskilled, and eager for war might, by a taste of pleasure, become accustomed to peace and quiet, he personally urged, and publicly aided, them to build temples, market places, and homes by assisting those who seemed so disposed, and by censuring the inactive; thus rivalry for honor took the place of compulsion. Further, he provided a liberal education for the sons of the chieftains and gave preference to the natural endowments of the Britons over the endeavors of the Gauls; so much so that those who recently were unfavorable to the Roman language were now eager for its literature. So our dress came to be held in honor, and the toga was often seen. Gradually they fell a prey to the allurement of vice, the porticoes, the baths, the dainties of the banquet; this in the judgment of the ignorant was called civilization, although it is really characteristic of slavery. . . .
The Britons now readily furnish their levy, besides paying tribute and other duties required of them by the government, if injustice is not shown them. They endure this, however, with difficulty, and although conquered so that they obey, they are not yet so subdued as to be entirely subservient.
1 From Tacitus, Agricola, cc. 13, 14.