Gnaeus Julius Agricola vs Quintus Sertorius

Agricola was appointed governor of Aquitania, a Roman province in Gaul. He administered the province for three years, focusing on legal and financial reforms. This post prepared him for higher command and demonstrated his administrative skills.

As governor of Britain, Agricola launched a campaign against the Ordovices tribe in northern Wales. He defeated them and then conquered the island of Anglesey, a stronghold of Druids and resistance, completing the Roman subjugation of Wales.

Agricola's army defeated a large Caledonian force led by Calgacus at Mons Graupius in northern Scotland. The Roman victory was decisive, but Agricola did not pursue the defeated tribes into the Highlands, leaving the conquest of Scotland incomplete.

Agricola ordered a Roman fleet to circumnavigate Britain, proving it was an island. The fleet sailed around the northern coast, encountering the Orkney Islands. This exploration provided valuable geographical knowledge and demonstrated Roman naval power.

Quintus Sertorius was appointed governor of Hispania Citerior by the Marian faction during the civil war against Sulla. After Sulla's victory, Sertorius fled to Africa and then returned to Spain to lead a rebellion.

Sertorius established a rival Roman government in Hispania, with a senate, army, and alliance with local Iberian tribes. He created a school for Iberian nobles and governed effectively, winning widespread support among both Romans and natives.

Sertorius defeated the Roman general Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius at the Battle of the Sucro River. The victory solidified his control over much of Hispania and demonstrated his military skill against Sullan forces.

Sertorius was assassinated by his own lieutenant, Marcus Perperna, during a banquet. Perperna, jealous of Sertorius's authority, led a conspiracy that ended the rebellion. Perperna was later defeated by Pompey, ending the Sertorian War.