Battle of Two Rivers facts for kids

The Battle of Two Rivers was a big fight between two ancient groups, the Picts and the Northumbrians, in the year 671. We don't know the exact place where it happened. This battle was important because it ended a rebellion by the Picts against the Northumbrians. The Northumbrians, led by their king Ecgfrith, won a huge victory. Most of what we know about this battle comes from an old book called Vita Sancti Wilfrithi, written by Stephen of Ripon.

Why the Battle Happened

During the 600s, the Northumbrians, who lived in what is now northern England and southern Scotland, slowly expanded their land northwards. In 638, they took over a place called "Etain" (which might be Edinburgh). This meant they controlled lands south of the River Forth.

North of the Forth lived the Picts. The Picts were made up of different groups, including the Kingdom of Fortriu and "Southern Picts." An old historian named Bede wrote that the Northumbrians had taken control of the Picts even before this battle. This control continued when Oswiu was king.

In 670, Ecgfrith became the new king of Northumbria. His kingdom was said to be a bit weak when he took over. In 671, King Ecgfrith heard that the Picts, led by their king Drest mac Donuel, were planning to rebel. They wanted to break free from Northumbrian rule.

How the Battle Unfolded

The only detailed story of this battle comes from Stephen of Ripon's book, Vita Sancti Wilfrithi. This book was written to praise a saint, so some parts might be exaggerated.

According to Stephen, King Ecgfrith quickly found out about the Picts' plans. He quickly gathered an army of horsemen. He rode north, helped by his sub-king Beornhæth. Historians think Beornhæth might have ruled a southern Pictish kingdom in what is now Fife.

We don't know the exact place where the battle happened. One idea is Moncreiffe Island, near Perth.

Stephen's account says that Ecgfrith's cavalry was ambushed by a much larger Pictish army that was hidden. But even though they were surprised, the Northumbrians won. Stephen wrote that so many Picts died that their bodies "filled two rivers." This allowed the Northumbrian horsemen to chase the Pictish survivors without getting their feet wet. This part is likely an exaggeration to show how big the Northumbrian victory was.

What Happened After

Stephen's book says that after the battle, the Picts were forced to become like slaves and were controlled by the Northumbrians for the next 14 years.

Old Irish records, like the Ulster and Tigernach, mention that a king named 'Drost' was removed from power in 671. People generally believe this was the Pictish king Drest. He was probably replaced by Bridei mac Bili because his rebellion failed.

Later, Bridei would go on to defeat and kill Ecgfrith in another important battle, the Battle of Dun Nechtain, in 685.