Nechtan nepos Uerb facts for kids

Nechtan, grandson of Uerb, was a king of the Picts. He ruled from about 595 to 616. Some historians think he might be the same person as Neithon, son of Guipno, who was a ruler in the kingdom of Alt Clut.

King Nechtan: Ruler of the Picts

Old records, like the Pictish Chronicle, say that King Nechtan ruled for 20 or 21 years. His predecessor, Gartnait II, died in 597, according to another old book called the Annals of Tigernach. It's not clear exactly when Nechtan died. Some records mention a "Nechtan, son of Canu," who died in 621 in the Annals of Ulster. This might be him, but it's hard to be sure if he was also Neithon, son of Guipno.

Some people believe that the "Canu" mentioned in the old books might be "Canu Garb." If so, this Nechtan would be the grandson of Gartnait II. Gartnait II might have been a son of Áedán mac Gabráin, a king from Dál Riata.

Building Churches and Monasteries

It's not certain if this Nechtan or an earlier king named Nechtan I helped start the monastery at Abernethy. However, since this Nechtan ruled after the famous Iona monastery was founded by Columba, it makes sense that he would have connections with Irish churches.

The Story of Abernethy

The Pictish Chronicle tells a story about how Abernethy was founded. It says that Nechtan the Great, son of Uuirp, gave Abernethy to Saint Brigid forever. This happened because Nechtan was living in exile in Ireland. His brother Drest had forced him out of his country. Nechtan asked Saint Brigid to pray for him. She did, and she told him that if he returned home, God would help him. She said he would rule the Picts in peace.

Other Important Places

An old book by Andrew of Wyntoun, called Orygynale Cronykil of Scotland, says that Nechtan founded a "cathedral" (a big church) dedicated to Saint Boniface at Rosemarkie. This town is on the Black Isle. This book sometimes mixes up this Nechtan with another king named Nechtan mac Der-Ilei, who lived about a century later and was also known for building churches.

There was also a monastery at nearby Portmahomack. It was built around the late 500s. It could have been built during Nechtan's rule, but it might have been even earlier.