Alpín mac Echdach facts for kids

Alpín mac Echdach was believed to be a king of Dál Riata. This was an old kingdom that covered parts of Ireland and Scotland.

Alpín's name appeared in a family tree from the 900s. This tree aimed to connect the kings of Alba (which is now Scotland) to older, legendary ancestors from Dál Riata and Ireland. In this family tree, Alpín's father was named Eochaid. Alpín was then shown as the father of Cináed (Kenneth MacAlpin) and Domnall mac Ailpín.

Some names similar to Alpín's, like Cináed and Alpín, belonged to Pictish kings in the 700s. These were brothers who ruled between 763 and 780. However, Alpín's supposed father, Eochaid IV, is not mentioned in any records from that time.

Alpín's Family and Death

A Scottish historian named John of Fordun wrote about Alpín. He said "Alpin the son of Achay" became king in 831. He ruled for three years. John of Fordun also wrote that Alpín was defeated by the Picts on "20 July".

Another old book from the 1100s, called the Cronica Regum Scottorum, also lists Alpín as a king. It mentions "Alpin filius Eochal" (Alpín son of Eochaid) and says he ruled for three years. It then lists "Kynedus filius Alpini" (Kenneth son of Alpín) as the first king of the Scots. Earlier historical records do not mention who Alpín's parents were.

It is believed that Alpín's mother was the sister of Causantín mac Fergusa, who was the King of the Picts. Alpín married a 'Scottish Princess' and they had two sons.

The War with the Picts

Alpín is mostly remembered for a big war he had with the Picts. The Picts had taken over a kingdom. Alpín decided to fight their king. They met near a village in Angus. The battle was very tough, but the Pictish king was killed. This meant the Scots won that fight.

However, the Picts chose a new king. This new king was said to be very important and brave (possibly Drest). He changed the course of the war. In Galloway, in the year 834, the Picts defeated King Alpín. They captured him and many of his important leaders. Alpín and his nobles were then killed.

It is said that Alpín's head was put on a pole. It was carried around by the Pictish army. Finally, it was displayed in Abernethy, which was their main town. Later, the Scots got their revenge for this. They called the place where Alpín was killed "Bas Alpin," meaning "Alpín's death."

Alpín died on July 20 or in August 834. He was either killed while fighting the Picts in Galloway or he was beheaded after the battle. We do not know where he was buried. His son, Kenneth MacAlpin, became king after him.

See also

In Spanish: Alpin mac Echdach para niños