Domnall mac Ailpín facts for kids

Domnall mac Ailpín (also known as Donald I) was a king who ruled the Picts from 858 to 862. He was born in 812 and passed away on April 13, 862. Donald I followed his brother, Kenneth I, as king.

Donald I's Time as King

The Chronicle of the Kings of Alba, which is an old historical record, tells us that Donald I ruled for four years. This matches other old writings, like the Annals of Ulster, which note his brother's death in 858 and Donald's own death in 862.

New Laws for the Kingdom

During Donald I's reign, an important event happened. The old chronicle mentions that the Gaels, along with their king, created new laws for the kingdom. These laws were called the "laws of Aed, Eochaid's son" and were made in a place called Forteviot.

We don't have these laws today, so we don't know exactly what they said. However, historians believe they probably gave special rights and protections to the church, similar to laws made in other places at that time.

Forteviot was an important place for Donald I's family. His brother Kenneth also died there, and later, another king, Constantine, held a meeting nearby at Scone. This suggests that the area around Forteviot and Scone was a central and strong base for Donald I and his family.

How Donald I Died

The Chronicle of Melrose, another historical record, describes Donald I as a "vigorous soldier" in war. This chronicle also suggests that he might have been killed at Scone. However, no other historical sources confirm that he died by violence. Most records simply state his death date.

Donald I passed away either at a palace called Cinnbelachoir or at a place known as Rathinveralmond. The exact locations of these places are not known today, but they are thought to have been near the River Almond and the Tay, close to Scone. After his death, Donald I was buried on the island of Iona.

See also

In Spanish: Donald I de Escocia para niños