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Dub, King of Scotland facts for kids

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Dub
King of Scots
Reign 962–967
Predecessor Indulf
Successor Cuilén
Born c. 928
Died 967
Forres
Issue Kenneth III, King of Alba
House Alpin
Father Malcolm I, King of Alba

Dub mac Maíl Coluim, also known as Duff MacMalcolm, was a king of Alba. Alba was the name for Scotland during his time. He ruled from 962 to 967. Dub was the son of King Malcolm I. He became king after Indulf, the previous king, was killed in 962.

Some old stories call him "Dén," which means "the Vehement" or "the Black." These stories often include tales of magic and betrayal. However, modern historians do not believe most of these older accounts. They rely on very few original sources from that time. The main sources are the Chronicle of the Kings of Alba and a short note in the Annals of Ulster.

Dub's Time as King

During Dub's reign, a bishop named Fothach died. He was likely a bishop from St Andrews or Dunkeld.

The most important event recorded was a battle. King Dub fought against Cuilén, who was the son of a previous king named Ildulb. Dub won this battle. It was fought "upon the ridge of Crup." In this battle, two important people died. They were Duchad, who was the abbot (head) of Dunkeld monastery, and Dubdon, the mormaer of Atholl. A mormaer was like a powerful local ruler or earl.

Sueno's Stone drawing (1861)
1861 drawing of the Sueno's Stone

The End of Dub's Reign

Historians have different ideas about what happened to King Dub. The Chronicle of the Kings of Alba says he was forced out of the kingdom. Another old text says he was murdered in Forres. This text connects his death to an eclipse of the sun that happened on July 20, 966.

The Annals of Ulster simply states: "Dub mac Maíl Coluim, king of Alba, was killed by the Scots themselves." This usually means he died in a fight within his own country. The Annals place his death in 967.

Many believe that Sueno's Stone, a large carved stone near Forres, might be a monument to King Dub. It may have been put there by his brother, Kenneth II. It is thought that Cuilén, or his supporters, either killed Dub or drove him out. Cuilén became king after Dub's death.

There is a story that Dub's body was hidden under a bridge in Kinloss. The story says the sun did not shine until his body was found and properly buried. An eclipse on July 10, 967, might have started or confirmed this story.

Dub's Family

King Dub had at least one son, named Kenneth III. Kenneth also became a king of Alba later on.

Although Dub's descendants did not become kings after Kenneth III died in 1005, they remained important. They held the title of mormaerdom of Fife. The MacDuib family, also known as MacDuff, held this powerful position until 1371.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Dubh de Escocia para niños

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