Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 03] Invasion- Caledonia (33 page)
Read Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 03] Invasion- Caledonia Online
Authors: Griff Hosker
The attack on the Ninth occurred as written and Agricola did indeed bring an ala of cavalry to rescue them. They then went on to build the most northern fort in the Roman Empire at Inchtuthil. The curious incident of the Usipi is also recorded. Tacitus gives us one date and another Roman writer gives one with a two year discrepancy. The facts are the same in both. The Usipi mutinied, killed their centurion stole some ships and sailed along the coast, accidentally discovering that Britain was an island. They did resort to cannibalism. One set of survivors were found in Swabia and the other in Frisia. Both sets of survivors were sold into slavery.
The Irish King did meet with Agricola as written in the novel but Tacitus talks then of Ireland being conquered. As there is no archaeological evidence for this I believe that Tacitus was referring to the Hebrides but perhaps Agricola’s support for the Irish king did impact on that island.
The battle of Mons Graupius was Agricola’s last in Britain. Some said he was withdrawn because he was becoming too successful. As he had not quite finished the conquest I find it more likely that Domitian needed him in the east. We do not know exactly where the battlefield was but it was fought in terrain as described and in the manner described. Tacitus says that 30000 Caledonii fought and the legionaries took no part. He ascribed 20000 casualties on the Caledonii side and only 350 amongst the auxiliaries. Tacitus was on the side of the winners and I suspect he exaggerated!
Lucullus was related to Cymbeline but when he arrived the Emperor had decided that Britain was all but conquered and he could use the troops from Britannia elsewhere. It was a mistake and Agricola’s departure was the high water mark for Rome in her conquest of Britannia.
Other books by Griff Hosker
If you enjoyed reading this book then why not read another one in the series.
Book 1
The Sword of Cartimandua
Book 2
The Horse Warriors
Book 3
Invasion Caledonia
Book 4
Roman Retreat
Book 5
Revolt of the Red Witch
Book 6
Druid’s Gold
Book 7
Trajan’s Hunters
Book 8
The Last Frontier
The first five are available in paperback and all are available in the Kindle format
Also available in paperback and Kindle is the book aimed at 12-15 years olds,
Great Granny’s Ghost
Carnage at Cannes
is a modern thriller and is available in the Kindle format
.
For more information then please go to the author’s web site at
http://www.griffhosker.com
where there is a link to contact him.
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Table of Contents
Prologue West coast of Britannia 75 AD
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Part Two The Land of the Lakes
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20