Dúnchad Bec facts for kids
Dúnchad Bec was a king who ruled a part of ancient Scotland called Kintyre in the early 700s. Kintyre was part of a larger kingdom known as Dál Riata.
Who Was Dúnchad Bec?
Dúnchad Bec was a king of Kintyre, a peninsula in what is now Scotland. He lived in the early 8th century, around the years 700 to 721. He was an important leader for the Cenél nGabráin, which was a powerful family group or clan within the kingdom of Dál Riata.
How Do We Know About Him?
Historians learn about Dúnchad Bec from old records called the Annals of Ulster. These "annals" were like ancient diaries or yearly reports kept by monks. They wrote down important events, including battles and the deaths of kings.
- One entry from the year 719 tells us about a big battle.
- Another entry from 721 records his death.
A Royal Battle
In the year 719, Dúnchad Bec led his people, the Cenél nGabráin, into a battle at a place called Ard Nesbi. They fought against Selbach mac Ferchair and his group, the Cenél Loairn. This battle was an important event in the history of Dál Riata, showing the power struggles between different royal families.
The End of His Reign
The Annals of Ulster tell us that Dúnchad Bec died in the year 721. He was known as the "king of Cenn Tíre," which is another name for Kintyre. After his death, it's not clear right away who took his place as king of the Cenél nGabráin. The next known king was Eochaid mac Echdach, who came from a different branch of the royal family.
