Eugein II of Alt Clut facts for kids
Eugein II was a person who might have been a ruler of a kingdom called Alt Clut. This kingdom was later known as Strathclyde, and it was located in what is now Scotland. Eugein II might have been in charge during the late 700s.
We don't have much information about Eugein II. Most of what we know comes from very old family records called the Harleian genealogies. These records say that he was the son of King Dumnagual III of Alt Clut. However, these records don't clearly state that Eugein II was a king himself.
Contents
What Was Alt Clut?
An Ancient Kingdom
Alt Clut was an important kingdom in early Scotland. Its name means "Rock of the Clyde," referring to a strong fortress at Dumbarton Rock. The people of Alt Clut were Brittonic, meaning they spoke an old language similar to Welsh.
A Time of Change
In 756, something big happened to Alt Clut. Eugein's father, King Dumnagual III, likely had to surrender to two powerful kings. These were Óengus I of the Picts and Eadberht of Northumbria. After this event, Alt Clut might have been controlled by other kingdoms for a long time.
Eugein's Possible Rule
Clues from Old Records
For over a hundred years after 756, the only way we know about the rulers of Alt Clut is from the Harleian genealogies. These old family trees are important because they help historians piece together the past.
The Burning of Ail Cluaithe
If Eugein II was indeed a king, he might have been ruling during a major event in 780. This event is mentioned in another old record called the Annals of Ulster. It describes the "burning of Ail Cluaithe." This probably means that the fortress at Dumbarton Rock was attacked and burned. It's not clear who attacked it, but it was a significant event for the kingdom.
Eugein's Family
His Father and Son
As mentioned, the Harleian genealogies tell us that Eugein II was the son of King Dumnagual III. These same records also state that Eugein II was the father of Riderch II. This shows a line of possible rulers in the Alt Clut kingdom, even if we don't have all the details about each one.
