Mons Graupius Contender: Craig Rossie
Introduction
Keppie in “The Legacy of Rome” highlights the possibility of Craig Rossie as the scene of the fighting. Several authors also allude to a privately published work - Smith 1987 -supporting a site in this area though this publication remains unseen by Roman Scotland at time of writing.
The distinctive profile of Craig Rossie, close to Auchterarder in Strathallan is, like Bennachie and the Lomond Hills, attractive principally on account of its striking profile, long visible from the A9. It lies on the southern fringes of Venicone territory.
Roman Scotland visited Craig Rossie in 2008 to assess the most likely location on its slopes for the suggested clash of arms.
Craig Rossie forms part of the northern fringe of the Ochills and its prominence is in no small part due to the fact that the line of that range of hills describes a distinct right angled bend, and it is on this prominent corner that Craig Rossie is situated.
As a hill therefore it is anchored to the Ochils to its rear but presents at least two long rolling faces to its fore up which a Roman commander could choose to launch his assault.
Of these two fronts the first faces NNW at Cloan (+120m OD rising to +306m OD), the second faces north towards Blair Hill below Rossie Law (+80m OD rising to +324m OD).
The latter is superior and would allow a Roman advance from the direction of Aberuthven on ground – excepting White Moss Loch – otherwise perfect for a Roman advance and deployment as well as being of sufficient size for the Caledonians to threaten envelopment.
A: Campaigning
Is the site located in an area of known Flavian campaigning?
Yes
Is the Flavian activity in the area likely to be Agricolan?
Yes
B: Marching Camps
Is there a marching camp in the vicinity of the site?
Yes, Innerpeffray and Dunning
Is the marching camp located close to the site?
No, Innerpeffray approximately 7 km distant, Dunning 3.5km away.
Does the marching camps position and orientation “address” the site?
Innerpeffray; yes.
Dunning; no.
Does the marching camp display Flavian characteristics?
Innerpeffray; no, it displays late Roman marching camp morphology.
Dunning; yes.
Is the size of the marching camp reasonably close to the 117 acre criteria required to accommodate 26,000 men?
Innerpeffray; no at 130.5 acres it is too large and could accommodate a force of 29,000 men.
Dunning; yes at 116.3 acres can accommodate 25,800 men.
C: Site topography
Is the site of an appropriate size to accommodate the forces engaged?
Yes. The most probable line of Roman assault would be from the direction of Aberuthven onto Blair Hill. The frontage here is less than 3km.
Does the critical area of the engagement include terrain or features which are specifically inconsistent with Tacitus account?
No
Does the site have a “plain” at the foot of the hill suitable for the recorded chariot action?
Yes
Is the hill of an appropriate gradient for:
- The Caledonians to be marshalled and advance down and around? No, the Craig Rossie escarpment has a mountainous profile and the steep gradients that associate with such a profile. Suitable gradients are on lower slopes only.
- A realistic Roman assault up? As above, on lower slopes only.
Does the countryside behind the Caledonian position have terrain consistent with the actions recorded in the immediate aftermath of the battle?
Yes, the Ochil hills.
Can reasonably ready access to the fleet (approx a day or twos march) be achieved from the sites location?
Yes, the Tay or Forth.
Is the likely point of contact with the fleet consistent with the broad strategy and location of the Roman fleet on the east coast?
Yes, especially on the Tay.
Can the “Boresti” be identified locally?
Yes, Horrea in Fife.
Are there known marching camps which hint at Agricola’s movements after leaving the site of battle?
Yes, Dunning, Carey or Carpow.
Is the sites location consistent with the position chosen the following year for the siting of the legionary fortress of Inchtuthil?
Yes, Inchtuthil is sited aggressively – but not too far - in advance of this contending battle site.
D: The Sites Name
Is there evidence in the locality for names from which Mons “Graupius” could be derived?
Possible, see Dunning and Carey.
Summary
With a creditable rating of 15.5 out of a possible 19 points Craig Rossie admirably rates as a “strong contender”.
Of all the “prominent” contending hills; Bennachie, the Lomond Hills and Craig Rossie, it is Craig Rossie that nearest matches the overall criteria.
However as with all such mountainous profiles its gradients – in this case to the upper slopes – are severe and would hinder Caledonian deployment and a Roman force displaying any modicum of cautions willingness to advance up such an obstacle.
The camp at Dunning does not address the site, however adequate space is available near Aberuthven and it is interesting to speculate if one may some day be sought and found there, possibly around the Laigh of Rossie.
NEXT PAGE: The Contenders: Culloden
©2009 Roman Scotland. All Rights Reserved
First Published February 2009
