Gnaeus Julius Agricola vs Memnon of Rhodes

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.

Memnon commanded the Persian defense of Halicarnassus against Alexander the Great. He used fortified positions and naval sorties to delay the Macedonian advance, forcing Alexander to besiege the city for months before it fell.

Memnon advised Darius III to adopt a scorched earth strategy, destroying crops and villages to deny supplies to Alexander's army. The Persian court rejected this plan, leading to the Battle of Granicus and subsequent losses.

Memnon launched a naval campaign to recapture Greek islands and threaten Alexander's supply lines. He captured Chios and most of Lesbos, but died during the siege of Mytilene, ending the Persian counteroffensive.