Did the Romans Like Scotland?

It is doubtful that the Romans had fond feelings for Scotland. Known to them as Caledonia, Scotland was perceived as “the ends of the Earth.” Even more so, they constructed Hadrian's Wall to physically and metaphorically keep themselves apart from the Pictish tribes that inhabited the area. It’s common to encounter sentiments among Roman historians and contemporary scholars that some Romans viewed Britannia as “that miserable rain-drenched island.” Be it Welsh, Scottish, or English, as a Briton, I often share their opinions regarding the weather.

Disliking the Weather and Terrain

The official narrative states that the Romans disliked Caledonia primarily due to the harsh weather conditions and terrain. The region was clearly unsuitable for agricultural endeavors, and its resource offerings, such as lead, silver, and gold, were seen as insufficient. Additionally, conquering the territory seemed unideal to the Romans, who, despite their military successes, faced significant challenges in governing and maintaining control over such an expanded and challenging land.

Military Success and Theories of Failure

One notable Roman military engagement in Caledonia was the Battle of Mons Graupius in AD 83, where they achieved a significant victory. However, the story isn't so straightforward. A legendary and mysterious event brought to light in theories is the disappearance of Legio IX Hispana. This Roman legion, one of many that marched into Caledonia, has been officially declared as moving into the province and never being heard from again. Many theories suggest that this legion was either defeated and destroyed, making it a “lost legion.” The last known records of this legion are only from AD 117, leading historians to speculate on its fate.

Limitations and Reasons for Disliking Scotland

Theories and speculations abound, revealing that the reasons for the Romans' dislike of Scotland were multifaceted. Firstly, the extreme climate contributed significantly to their aversion. The persistent rain and harsh winters would have made it difficult for the Romans, who had perfected agriculture and resource management in more temperate climates. Secondly, the rugged and unpredictable terrain presented a formidable challenge. This land was less conducive to military campaigns and agricultural expansion, making it less appealing for Roman interests.

Additionally, the limited resources available in Caledonia limited the interests of the Romans. The island’s natural wealth was not as abundant as that found in other conquests, making it less attractive for Roman expansion. And Lastly, the lack of will or necessity to conquer such a distant and challenging territory further underscored their reluctance.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

While the Romans had achieved military success on Scottish soil, their overall impression of Caledonia was one of disapproval. The harshness of the climate, the difficulties in adapting to the terrain, and the limited resources all contributed to their lack of enthusiasm for expansion into the region. As for the chapter on the lost legion, the mystery remains, forever shrouded by the sands of time and the limitations of historical record.

So, the answer to the question is simple: No, the Romans didn't like Scotland.