num_pages: 400
description: In the 780s northern Britain was dominated by two great kingdoms; Pictavia, centred in north-eastern Scotland and Northumbria which straddled the modern Anglo-Scottish border. Within a hundred years both of these kingdoms had been thrown into chaos by the onslaught of the Vikings and within two hundred years they had become distant memories.This book charts the transformation of the political landscape of northern Britain between the eighth and the eleventh centuries. Central to this narrative is the mysterious disappearance of the Picts and their language and the sudden rise to prominence of the Gaelic-speaking Scots who would replace them as the rulers of the North. From Pictland to Alba uses fragmentary sources which survive from this darkest period in Scottish history to guide the reader past the pitfalls which beset the unwary traveller in these dangerous times. Important sources are presented in full and their value as evidence is thoroughly explored and evaluated.
language: English
title: From Pictland to Alba, 789 - 1070
titlecomplete: From Pictland to Alba, 789 - 1070
characters: Duncan I, King of Scots, Cináed mac Ailpín, Túathal mac Artgusso, Cináed mac Maíl Coluim, Crínán of Dunkeld, Lulach, King of Scots, Donald II, King of Alba, Causantín mac Cináeda, Máel Coluim II, King of Scots
genres: Medieval History, Scotland, Nonfiction, Ancient History, Medieval, History
ratings_count: 51
places: Scotland, Pictland, Kingdom of Alba, Dál Riata
series: New Edinburgh History of Scotland
publisher: Edinburgh University Press