Mons Graupius Contender: Huntlyhill
Introduction
Roy in 1790 expressed interest in the marching camp at Keithock near Brechin in Vacomagi territory.
Roy had formerly shown some interest in the large camp at Oathlaw – Battledykes (probably on the northern boundary of Venicone territory), but was intrigued by Keithocks implication of a further Roman onward advance beyond Oathlaw and the South Esk.
Maxwell in 1989 followed this lead up, hypothesising that the length of ridge above the Roman fort at Stracathro – Huntlyhill – could be the site of the battle.
This area, before the crossing of the North Esk is highly strategic, the Romans themselves recognising this with the fort they subsequently erected there, probably by Sallustius Lucullus in the year(s) following Mons Graupius.
In suggesting the site of Huntlyhill – itself the scene of a later medieval battle – Maxwell speculated that Stracathro may have been the Roman post subsequently called "Victoria".
A large boulder elevated on a simple stone plinth on the crest of Huntlyhill and visible for some distance is commonly hailed to mark the scene of the medieval fighting and echoes Keithocks alternative name of Battledykes.
The suggested Roman forming up position would be on the level ground around +60m OD currently occupied by the A90 dual carriageway with the Caledonians on the slope beyond which rises to around +120m OD.
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?
Possibly, however the known Flavian marching camp and fort probably date to Sallustius Lucullus term as Governor.
B: Marching Camps
Is there a marching camp in the vicinity of the site?
Yes, Stracathro and Keithock.
Is the marching camp located close to the site?
Yes,
Stracathro; just over 1km.
Keithock; adjacent.
Does the marching camps position and orientation "address" the site?
Stracathro; yes
Keithock; yes / short face-on.
Does the marching camp display Flavian characteristics?
Stracathro; yes, the clavicular gated marching camp "type" site.
Keithock; no, it displays a later Roman marching camp morphology.
Is the size of the marching camp reasonably close to the 117 acre criteria required to accommodate 26,000 men?
Stracathro; no, at 39.3 acres it can accommodate only 8,700 men.
Keithock; no, at 63.3 acres it can accommodate only 14,000 men.
C: Site topography
Is the site of an appropriate size to accommodate the forces engaged?
Huntlyhill is located on a lengthy running escarpment, there is nothing to define or limit the width of any battle fought there.
Does the critical area of the engagement include terrain or features which are specifically inconsistent with Tacitus account?
Stracathro is located behind the Cruik Water.
Keithock; no.
Does the site have a "plain" at the foot of the hill suitable for the recorded chariot action?
Yes, but this is restricted to the narrow strip occupied by the A90 or the site of the later Keithock camp site.
Is the hill of an appropriate gradient for:
- The Caledonians to be marshalled and advance down and around? Very appropriate.
- A realistic Roman assault up? As above.
Does the countryside behind the Caledonian position have terrain consistent with the actions recorded in the immediate aftermath of the battle?
No, it is a fairly open landscape leading to the coast.
Can reasonably ready access to the fleet (approx a day or twos march) be achieved from the sites location?
Yes, at the Montrose Basin.
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, excellent location with Flavian connections at Dun on the Montrose Basin.
Can the "Boresti" be identified locally?
No
Are there known marching camps which hint at Agricola’s movements after leaving the site of battle?
No
Is the sites location consistent with the position chosen the following year for the siting of the legionary fortress of Inchtuthil?
Yes, Inchtuthil is behind but not too far in the rear from this contending site.
D: The Sites Name
Is there evidence in the locality for names from which Mons "Graupius" could be derived?
No
Summary
Huntlyhill is a good – if not readily accessible - site to visit not least as it amply demonstrates the kind of hilly ground upon which men were prepared to venture battle in the past.
Those who are determined to support locations on hills with very steep gradients and mountainous profiles are encouraged to visit and walk this site, then return to their preferred steep site and then walk that one again in comparison.
Even unencumbered without equipment and armour the relatively gentle slope of Huntlyhill is tiring to walk up and would still be a challenge to the Romans making an uphill assault.
However, as mentioned, Huntlyhill forms a part of the continuous ridge that the A90 shadows while passing through this part of Angus, and it is by no means certain that the conflict in 1452 AD involved any sort of uphill fight. It is more probable that this later fight was along the crest of the ridge, a possibility that amply demonstrates the weakness of the hills flanks to the most basic of Roman flanking attacks.
At 15 appropriate answers out of a possible 19 Huntlyhill rates as "interesting".
NEXT PAGE: The Contenders: Inverquharity
©2009 Roman Scotland. All Rights Reserved
First Published February 2009
