Demetrius of Tarsus’ Exploration of the Islands in the West

Abstract

In AD 80, Iulius Agricola, governor of Roman Britain, launched an ambitious offensive against Caledonia and was soon victorious at Mons Graupius; the imperial fleet rounded Scotland and conquest was being consolidated when Emperor Domitian abruptly withdrew all Roman forces in AD 87. Meanwhile, Plutarch tells how a certain Demetrius of Tarsus had been sent under imperial orders to survey one of the many islands lying near Britain. A seemingly fanciful traveller’s tale in another dialogue by Plutarch may also refer to the same unusual mission. This article seeks to determine the date, location and function of the remote assignment.