The Germany and the Agricola of TacitusTacitus, Cornelius
History
The Germany and the Agricola of Tacitus
Tacitus, Cornelius
Agricola, Gnaeus Julius, 40-93; Germanic peoples -- Early works to 1800; Statesmen -- Rome -- Biography -- Early works to 1800
13. The Britons cheerfully submit to levies, tributes, and the other
services of government, if they are not treated injuriously; but such
treatment they bear with impatience, their subjection only extending to
obedience, not to servitude. Accordingly Julius Caesar, [62] the first
Roman who entered Britain with an army, although he terrified the
inhabitants by a successful engagement, and became master of the shore,
may be considered rather to have transmitted the discovery than the
possession of the country to posterity. The civil wars soon succeeded;
the arms of the leaders were turned against their country; and a long
neglect of Britain ensued, which continued even after the establishment
of peace. This Augustus attributed to policy; and Tiberius to the
injunctions of his predecessor. [63] It is certain that Caius Caesar
[64] meditated an expedition into Britain; but his temper, precipitate
in forming schemes, and unsteady in pursuing them, together with the
ill success of his mighty attempts against Germany, rendered the design
abortive. Claudius [65] accomplished the undertaking, transporting his
legions and auxiliaries, and associating Vespasian in the direction
of affairs, which laid the foundation of his future fortune. In this
expedition, nations were subdued, kings made captive, and Vespasian was
held forth to the fates.
14. Aulus Plautius, the first consular governor, and his successor,
Ostorius Scapula, [66] were both eminent for military abilities. Under
them, the nearest part of Britain was gradually reduced into the form of
a province, and a colony of veterans [67] was settled. Certain districts
were bestowed upon king Cogidunus, a prince who continued in perfect
fidelity within our own memory. This was done agreeably to the ancient
and long established practice of the Romans, to make even kings the
instruments of servitude. Didius Gallus, the next governor, preserved
the acquisitions of his predecessors, and added a very few fortified
posts in the remoter parts, for the reputation of enlarging his
province. Veranius succeeded, but died within the year. Suetonius
Paullinus then commanded with success for two years, subduing various
nations, and establishing garrisons. In the confidence with which this
inspired him, he undertook an expedition against the island Mona, [68]
which had furnished the revolters with supplies; and thereby exposed the
settlements behind him to a surprise.
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