House of Óengus facts for kids
The House of Óengus was a powerful family that might have ruled as Kings of the Picts and possibly all of northern Great Britain. They were in charge for about 100 years, from the 730s to the 830s AD. Their first important ruler in Pictland was Óengus I of the Picts. Some people think he might be the person carved on the famous St Andrews Sarcophagus.
Who Were They?
Historians believe the House of Óengus was a very important family. Some old Irish family records suggest that Óengus I was connected to a powerful Irish family called the Eóganachta from Munster. These records say he was a descendant of a legendary figure named Coirpre Cruithnechán, also known as "Cairbre the little Pict."
This connection suggests that the family might have come from an area in Scotland known as Circinn. This area is usually linked to modern Angus and the Mearns.
Why It's Tricky to Know for Sure
It's important to remember that these old family records were written much later than when Óengus I lived. Because of this, some historians don't fully trust them. They think these stories might have been made up later to connect the Pictish rulers to famous Irish families. This was common during a time when Pictland was becoming more influenced by Gaelic culture.
Historians like Francis John Byrne and David Sproule have looked closely at these old stories. They suggest that some parts, especially the connections to Pictish kings, might have been added later to make the family seem more important. It's hard to find clear proof that Óengus I was directly related to these Irish figures.
Important Rulers
Here are some of the kings who were part of the House of Óengus:
- Óengus I of the Picts, died in 761
- Bridei V of the Picts
- Talorgan II of the Picts, died in 782
- Drest VIII of the Picts
- Constantín mac Fergusa, died in 820
- Óengus II of the Picts, died in 834
- Drest IX of the Picts, died in 836 or 837
- Eóganan mac Óengusa, died in 839
Another person who might have been part of this family was Domnall mac Caustantín. He might have been a king of Dál Riata, another kingdom in Scotland.
