Dubacan of Angus facts for kids

Dubacan of Angus was an important leader in early Scotland, known as a Mormaer of the region called Angus. He is the very first mormaer from any part of the ancient Kingdom of Alba (which is what Scotland was called back then) whose name we know individually from old records. His full name was Dubacan mac Indrechtaich, which means "Dubacan, son of Indrechtach."

Who Was Dubacan of Angus?

Dubacan was a powerful figure in the 10th century. He was a Mormaer, a title similar to an earl or a great lord, who ruled over a large area. Dubacan was the mormaer of Angus, a region in eastern Scotland. We know about him from an old historical document called the Chronicle of the Kings of Alba. This chronicle mentions him as "Dubucan son of Indrechtach, Mormaer of Angus."

What Was a Mormaer?

A Mormaer was a very important leader in early Scotland. They were like powerful regional rulers, often related to the king. They managed their own lands, collected taxes, and led their people in battle. The mormaers played a big role in how the Kingdom of Alba was governed.

Dubacan's Life and Death

Dubacan of Angus lived during a time when Scotland was still forming. He was a loyal supporter of the king. The Chronicle of the Kings of Alba tells us that Dubacan died around the year 937. He was killed alongside his lord, Amlaib, who was the son of Constantine II of Scotland. They both died in a very famous and important battle called the Battle of Brunanburh. This battle was a major event in the history of Britain.

The Battle of Brunanburh

The Battle of Brunanburh was a huge battle fought in 937. It involved a large army from the Kingdom of Alba, led by King Constantine II, and his allies, fighting against the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex. It was one of the biggest and bloodiest battles of its time. Dubacan's death in this battle shows how important he was and how closely he was connected to the royal family of Alba.

Another Dubacan?

There is another person named Dubacan mentioned in an old document related to Scone Abbey. This document calls him Dufagan comes, which means "Earl Dufagan." However, this document might not be entirely real, and it doesn't say which region he ruled. Because he shares the same name, some people have wondered if he was the same Dubacan of Angus, but it's not certain.

Dubacan's Family and Successors

Historians believe that Dubacan of Angus was likely an ancestor of later mormaers of Angus, such as Gilla Brigte of Angus. This means that Gilla Brigte was probably a descendant of Dubacan. It's also possible that another man named Cuncar became the Mormaer of Angus after Dubacan. However, we don't have much information about the exact relationship between Dubacan and Cuncar.