Fachtna Fáthach facts for kids
Fachtna Fáthach, also known as "the wise," was an important figure in old Irish stories and history. He was a High King of Ireland, which means he was a powerful ruler over the land. Fachtna became king after winning a battle against the previous High King, Dui Dallta Dedad, at a place called Árd Brestine. He was also known as the father of Conchobar mac Nessa, a famous king of Ulster in the tales of the Ulster Cycle.
Fachtna ruled for either sixteen or twenty-five years. One day, he visited Ulster. While he was there, Eochu Feidlech, the king of Connacht, gathered an army. Eochu then marched towards Tara, which was a very important royal site.
With the help of the people from Ulster, Fachtna challenged Eochu to a fight. Eochu agreed to the battle. He chose the battlefield to be Leitir Ruad in the Corann, a region in Connacht. During this battle, Eochu surrounded Fachtna and defeated him. Eochu then became the new High King of Ireland.
When Did Fachtna Fáthach Rule?
Old Irish texts help us understand when Fachtna Fáthach might have lived. The book Lebor Gabála Érenn connects his time as king to major events in ancient Rome. It suggests his rule happened around the same time as the Roman civil war between Caesar and Pompey. This war took place around 49 BC. His reign is also linked to the time of Cleopatra, who ruled from 51 to 30 BC.
Other historical writings offer different dates for his reign. Geoffrey Keating's book Foras Feasa ar Éirinn suggests Fachtna ruled from 110 to 94 BC. The Annals of the Four Masters, another important historical record, places his reign from 159 to 143 BC. These different dates show that ancient history can sometimes have varying timelines.
Who Were Fachtna Fáthach's Children?
Fachtna Fáthach had at least two known children in the old stories:
- Conchobar mac Nessa: He became a famous king of Ulster.
- Findchóem: She was known as the wife of Amergin mac Eccit.
