Dundurn, Scotland facts for kids
Dundurn is the remains of an ancient hillfort in Scotland. It was built by the Picts, a mysterious group of people who lived in Scotland long ago. This fort sits on a hill in a beautiful area called Strathearn in Perth and Kinross.
Contents
Dundurn Hillfort: A Look Back in Time
What Was Dundurn?
Dundurn was a strong fort built on top of a hill. It was perfectly placed for defense! On one side, it had the River Earn, and on another, a smaller stream called the Allt Ghoinean burn. These natural barriers made it hard for enemies to attack.
Building the Fort: Three Stages
Archaeologists are like history detectives. They dig up old sites to learn about the past. At Dundurn, they found evidence that the fort was built in three main stages between the years 500 and 800 AD. This means people kept improving and strengthening the fort over many years.
Dundurn in Ancient Records
We know about Dundurn because it's mentioned in old historical books called the Annals of Ulster. These records tell us important events from long ago.
- In 683 AD, the Annals mention a "siege" at Dundurn. A siege happens when an army surrounds a fort to try and take it over. At that time, the fort was held by King Bridei III, a powerful Pictish king.
- Later, in 889 AD, the Annals record that a king named Giric (also known as King Gregory) died at Dundurn.
Protecting History: A Scheduled Monument
Today, Dundurn is a special place. It is a designated scheduled monument. This means it's an important historical site that is protected by law. This helps make sure that this ancient fort can be preserved for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
