Former Governor Of Britannia, Julius Agricola, Dies In Retirement

Gnaeus Julia Agricola, a former Roman governor, has died in retirement, aged 53.

Born in the south of France, he had a remarkable career. He was the general who brought a lot of Britannia under Roman rule.

He was appointed governor of Britannia in 78 AD and proceeded to ensure Roman rule in the province.

Gnaeus Julius Agricola, a retired Roman governor of Britannia, has died this week (August 23, 93 AD). After his appointment as governor, in 78 AD, he fought a ferocious battle with the Druids on the Isle of Anglesey. He also invaded Scotland. He led his soldiers himself against the Caledonian tribe there and built many forts. His fleet sailed right round Britain.

He was so successful that he was recalled to Rome, where emperor Domitian gave him many honours. Back in Rome the emperor told him that his military campaigns were too expensive, but it may be he did not like how popular Agricola had become. He was not allowed to go back to Britannia and he retired from public life.

Agricola's son-in-law, the writer Tacitus, was a great admirer, and wrote many articles about his life and victories.

* Roman settlement changed many areas of British people's daily lives. There were many years of peace. Roman control and influence were strongest south of Hadrian's Wall.

But life under the Romans did not change for everyone in Britain. Many British people who were not near places the Romans conquered and settled did not alter their way of life much.

Before the Romans came, British chieftains had organised their kingdoms as they wanted. Afterwards most people were part of a huge well-run multinational empire stretching from Britain to Africa. British people paid Roman taxes, they used Roman coins and they had to obey Roman laws. Well-planned and well-made Roman roads meant that everyone and everything - from legions of soldiers to the latest fashions and food - could travel more quickly. There were probably 10,000 miles of Roman roads in Britain.

Roman hygiene, water supplies and medicine led to healthier, longer-lived people. Roman technology made industries like farming and mining more efficient.

It was hard not to be impressed by stone-built Roman towns, with their paved streets, organised arrangement and public meeting places and buildings. Local people could sell their produce at the markets, and grow richer. Innovations like centrally heated villas with baths and decorated walls became popular with rich Britons.

Before the Romans there were lots of local British religious beliefs. They varied from tribe to tribe. The Roman army was dedicated to observing its own religion. Local people who have joined the army would also have taken up the religion as well. Roman gods often merged with local ones. Mars became linked with British war gods, like Belatucadrus.