Eochaid of Scotland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eochaid
Disputed King of the Picts
Reign	878 - 889
Predecessor	Áed or Giric
Successor	Donald II
Born	c. 860
Died	after 889?
House	Alpin
Father	Run Macarthagail, king of Strathclyde
Mother	NN ingen Cináed

Eochaid was a king in ancient Scotland, though his right to the throne was debated. He claimed to be king because he was the grandson of Kenneth MacAlpin, a famous Scottish king, and the son of Run Macarthagail, who was the King of Strathclyde. Eochaid ruled at the same time as another king named Giric.

Early Life

Eochaid was born around the year 860. His father was Run Macarthagail, the King of Strathclyde. His mother's name is not fully known, but she was a daughter of King Cináed (Kenneth MacAlpin). We don't know much else about his birth, except that it likely happened in Scotland.

His Time as King

Eochaid became king in 878. This happened after the death of Áed, who was his cousin once removed. Eochaid believed he had the right to the throne over Giric, who was said to have killed Áed.

Eochaid's time as king ended in 889. It's not clear if he was forced to give up his throne or if he chose to leave it.

What Happened to Eochaid?

It is thought that Eochaid died in 889, shortly after he stopped being king. We don't know how he died, but it was probably from natural causes.

The Next King

After Eochaid, his cousin Donald II became king. Donald II was the last king of the Picts. After his death in 900, a new kingdom called Alba was formed. This new kingdom controlled both Pictland and Scotland. Even though Alba was formed, some rulers were still called "Pictish" until about 942 or 943.

Images for kids

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  The title of Áed mac Cináeda from an old book. Some sources say Áed was the last King of the Picts, but others say Eochaid and Giric came after him.

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  The Barochan Cross, an old stone cross from Scotland. It was made between the 700s and 900s.

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  The name of Giric as it appears in an old Latin text.

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  A warrior on horseback from the Govan sarcophagus. This stone monument is a great example of old Scottish art.

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  The name of Eochaid's grandfather, Cináed mac Ailpín, as it appears in an old text. Eochaid's family connection to Kenneth MacAlpin might explain why he wanted to be king of the Picts.

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  Several hogback stones on display in Govan. These large carved stones show art from different cultures, including Vikings. They likely marked the graves of kings and nobles from the Kingdom of Strathclyde.

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  The title of Domnall mac Custantín, who was the first King of Alba.

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  An old text referring to the Picts from the 700s.

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  An old text referring to the Scottish people from the 900s.

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  The name of Eochaid's aunt, Máel Muire ingen Cináeda, as it appears in an old book.

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  A map showing the kingdoms of Alba and Strathclyde, and other territories around the year 900.

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  The site of the old fortress of Dundurn. Some say this is where Giric made his last stand, and perhaps where Eochaid also died.

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  The title of Dyfnwal, King of Strathclyde, who might have been a descendant of Eochaid.

See also

In Spanish: Eochaid de Escocia para niños