Neithon of Alt Clut facts for kids

Neithon son of Guipno (died around 621 AD) was an important ruler in the 7th century. He was a king of Alt Clut, which was a Brittonic kingdom. This kingdom was based at Dumbarton Rock in what is now Scotland.

Neithon's father was named Guipno. We know this from old records called the Harleian genealogies. These records are like ancient family trees.

Was Neithon Also a Pictish King?

Some historians believe that Neithon might have been the same person as King Nechtan the Great of the Picts. The Picts were another group of people living in ancient Scotland.

The Mystery of Nechtan

The Annals of Ulster, which are old Irish historical notes, mention a person named Nechtan, son of Canu, who died in 621 AD. It's possible this Nechtan was Neithon.

However, there's a puzzle with the family trees. If Neithon was also Nechtan, it would mean some old records might have mixed up his family.

The Importance of "Uerb"

In the lists of Pictish kings, Nechtan is sometimes called "Nechtan, nepos Uerb." This means "Nechtan, grandson of Uerb." This suggests that being related to Uerb was very important in Pictland, more so than who his father Guipno or Canu was.

Alan Orr Anderson, a historian, thought that Uerb was likely the Pictish version of a female name, Ferb. Another historian, Alan MacQuarrie, also believes Neithon was the Pictish king Nechtan.

So, Neithon was a king of Alt Clut, and there's a big historical question about whether he also ruled the Picts as King Nechtan.