Cammán mac Amlaíb facts for kids
Cammán mac Amlaíb was a Norse-Gaelic viking leader. He is mentioned in old Irish history books, called the Irish annals, because he was defeated in a battle in the year 960. Some historians believe he was the son of Amlaíb mac Gofraid, another important leader who died in 941. It's also possible that Cammán was the same person as Sitriuc Cam, who lost a battle against Amlaíb Cuarán two years later.
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Who Was Cammán?
In 960, old records like the Annals of Ulster say that Cammán was defeated. This battle happened at a place called Dub. However, the records don't say who Cammán was fighting against.
Where Was the Battle of Dub?
Historian Clare Downham points out that the name Dub seems incomplete. This is because "Dub" is a Gaelic word meaning "dark," and many places in Ireland have this word in their name.
Some ideas for the battle location include:
- Edmund Hogan thought it was Black River in Rosclougher, County Leitrim.
- Diarmuid Ó Murchadha suggested it was the Munster Blackwater river.
Cammán's Family and Name
Clare Downham believes Cammán was a son of Amlaíb mac Gofraid, who died in 941. Cammán's name is Gaelic. Another historian, Colmán Etchingham, suggested that "Cammán" might be a smaller, or diminutive, form of the Gaelic word camm. This word means "crooked." Because of this, Downham thinks Cammán might be the same person as Sitriuc Cam.
Sitriuc Cam: Another Viking Leader?
The Annals of the Four Masters mention Sitriuc Cam. This record says he attacked an area called Uí Cholgain from the sea. Uí Cholgain was located around Lusk, County Dublin.
Sitriuc Cam was defeated by Amlaíb Cuarán, along with warriors from Dublin and Leinster. After many of his people were killed, Sitriuc Cam managed to escape back to his ships.
Amlaíb's Sons and Their Raids
Clare Downham suggests that Cammán, or Sitriuc Cam, was one of the sons of Amlaíb. These sons were known for raiding the northern coasts near Dublin in 962.
Viking Connections in the Isles
The Annals of the Four Masters mention that "Lagmainn" (which means "lawmen" or important officials) were with Amlaíb's sons on their trips. Some historians think that having these officials with them shows that Amlaíb's sons had connections in the Kingdom of the Isles. The Kingdom of the Isles was a powerful Viking area between Scotland and Ireland.
Raids in North Wales
Around the same time, Amlaíb's sons also raided North Wales.
