Beli I of Alt Clut facts for kids
Beli I was a ruler of a kingdom called Alt Clut. This kingdom was located in what is now Scotland, centered around a strong fortress known as Dumbarton Rock. Beli I lived in the 7th century. We don't know much about him, but his family was very important and connected to other powerful families in northern Britain.
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Who Was Beli I?
Beli I was a king of Alt Clut. He ruled during a time when different kingdoms were forming and changing in Britain. Historians have learned about him from old records and family trees. These records help us piece together his story.
Beli's Family Connections
Ancient family records, like the Harleian genealogies, tell us about Beli's family. They say his father was Neithon, who was also a king before him. Beli's son, Eugein I, became king after him. This shows that the kingship was passed down in their family.
Beli and Bridei III
It is very likely that Beli was also the father of Bridei III, who became a powerful king of the Picts. The Picts were another important group of people living in ancient Scotland. A poem written about Bridei calls him "son of the King of Alt Clut." This strongly suggests Beli was his father.
Royal Marriages and Alliances
Another old book, the Historia Brittonum, mentions that Bridei was a cousin of Ecgfrith of Northumbria. Ecgfrith was a king from the powerful kingdom of Northumbria, located in what is now northern England. This suggests that Beli's wife might have been a noblewoman from Northumbria. Marriages between royal families were common ways to create alliances and keep peace. Even though Bridei's mother might have been Northumbrian, he must have had some connection to the Picts to become their king.
When Did Beli I Live?
Old records from Ireland, called the Annales Cambriae, mention the death of a person named Belin in the year 627. Many historians believe this Belin was Beli I. We know for sure that Beli I had died by the year 642. In that year, Irish records mention King Oan or Hoan of Alt Clut fighting in a battle. This King Oan was likely Beli's son, Eugein.
