03-27-2008, 02:16 PM
Quote:Hi there
(2)Tacitus said in the Agricola that I have often heard Agricola say that Éire could be reduced and held by one Legion and some Auxiliaries
Why would Tacitus write this down was it a spoof :?: i dont think so because Vespasian had re-started the re-conquest of Britain and there was plenty of chance's to add personal glory to yourself by lets say invading Ireland (if you were Agricola)
Just because Agricola said this doesn't mean he actually followed through. Numerous generals/emperors had mentioned plans to conquer various lands but never got as far as step 1.
The pacification of Britain was tough enough let alone starting another prolonged conflict in Ireland.
St. Patrick being Roman really has nothing to do with Ireland being conquered by the Romans. St. Patrick lived hundreds of years after Rome would have had an opportunity to annex Ireland. This would be akin to saying the Irish must have conquered the British because St. Brendan preached in England.
Michael Paglia
