Fiannamail ua Dúnchado facts for kids
Fiannamail ua Dúnchado was a king who lived a long time ago, at the end of the 600s. He ruled a kingdom called Dál Riata, which was in what we now call western Scotland and Northern Ireland. We don't know much for sure about Fiannamail. We do know that he died in the year 700 AD. Old records say he was killed along with another person named Flann mac Cind-fâelad. This happened in an area that is now County Londonderry in Northern Ireland.
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Who Was King Fiannamail?
The Annals of Ulster, which are ancient historical records, say that Fiannamail was the king of Dál Riata when he died. However, another old record, the Annals of Tigernach, says he was king of a different place called Dál nAraide. This is a bit confusing for historians!
What the Records Say
Fiannamail's name doesn't appear in the family trees (called genealogies) of the Dál nAraide kingdom. This makes it less likely that he was their king. He might be the same person as Fiannamail mac Osseni, who is mentioned in records from 699.
A Witness to History
Fiannamail ua Dúnchado definitely witnessed an important agreement called the Cáin Adomnáin between 696 and 697. This agreement was about protecting women, children, and clergy during wartime. In the same document, another person, Fiachrae Cosalach, is named as the king of the Cruithne people of Dál nAraide. This strongly suggests that Fiannamail was not the king of Dál nAraide.
Fiannamail's Family
Historians are not completely sure about Fiannamail's grandfather, named Dúnchad. Many people think Dúnchad was the son of Conaing, who was the son of Áedán mac Gabráin, another famous king.
Other Family Members
Many members of Fiannamail's family are thought to appear in the old historical records. These include a brother or cousin named Béc, and an uncle named Conall. Another person, Dúnchad Bec, might also have been related to Fiannamail.
Fiannamail's Sons
Fiannamail had at least two sons, named Indrechtach and Conall. Sadly, both of them were killed in the year 741. They died in a battle at a place called Forboros.
Fighting the Picts
It's possible that Fiannamail's sons were fighting against the Picts in this battle. The Picts were a group of people who lived in ancient Scotland. Their leader at the time was a powerful king named Óengus mac Fergusa.
A Historical Puzzle
Sometimes, people think that Indrechtach, Fiannamail's son, is the same person who was the father of Tommaltach mac Indrechtaig. Tommaltach later became a king of Dál nAraide and Ulaid. However, old records like the Book of Leinster say that this Indrechtach's father was named Lethlobar. This makes it a bit of a puzzle for historians to figure out!
