Early Life
Agricola was born in the colonia of Forum Julii, Gallia Narbonensis (modern southern France). Agricola's parents were from families of senatorial rank. Both of his grandfathers served as imperial governors. His father, Julius Graecinus, was a praetor and had become a member of the Roman Senate in the year of his birth. Graecinus had become distinguished by his interest in philosophy. Between August 40 and January 41, the Roman Emperor Caligula ordered his death because he refused to prosecute the Emperor's second cousin Marcus Junius Silanus.
His mother was Julia Procilla. The Roman historian Tacitus describes her as "a lady of singular virtue". Tacitus states that Procilla had a fond affection for her son. Agricola was educated in Massilia (Marseille), and showed what was considered an unhealthy interest in philosophy.
Read more about this topic: Gnaeus Julius Agricola
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