Research on the Historical Value of the Agricola

Abstract

Tacitus’s Biography of Agricola is the first work on Britannia history that has been handed down to date, and occupies an important position in the western historical circle. Tacitus expressed his ideals by defending and glorifying his father-in-law. Therefore, he left behind the most concentrated and rich account of the political history of Roman Britannia. Based on this biography, this paper discusses the life and achievements of Governor Agricola, the “Romanization” of Britannia, the customs and social conditions of Britannia. However, there are many problems in this biography, such as incorrect records, vague expressions and exaggerated rhetoric. Therefore, it is an important way to get out of the predicament to fully learn from archaeological and other handed down documents.