Martin Carver
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748624416
- eISBN:
- 9780748670703
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748624416.001.0001
- Subject:
- Archaeology, Historical Archaeology
This book relates the rediscovery of a monastery of the 8th century AD, one of the earliest so far seen in northern Europe. It lies in north-east Scotland in the land of the Picts, a largely ...
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This book relates the rediscovery of a monastery of the 8th century AD, one of the earliest so far seen in northern Europe. It lies in north-east Scotland in the land of the Picts, a largely forgotten people here shown to have been highly intellectual thinkers and consummate artists. The excavation, one of the largest to have taken place in Scotland, revealed burials in stone cists, over 200 pieces of carved stone grave markers and ornamented cross-slabs, workshops making sacred vessels and vellum for holy books, unusual bag-shaped buildings and a water-mill. The book has three parts: “Exploring”, “The Age of Fame” and :“Legacy”. It tells the story of the investigation, describes what was found and what it means for the history of Scotland and the understanding of early religion for us today. The book is provided at the back with a Digest of Evidence, summarising the archaeological finds, layers, features, structures and the results of survey, making it handy for student use at school and university and essential for fellow archaeologists.Less
This book relates the rediscovery of a monastery of the 8th century AD, one of the earliest so far seen in northern Europe. It lies in north-east Scotland in the land of the Picts, a largely forgotten people here shown to have been highly intellectual thinkers and consummate artists. The excavation, one of the largest to have taken place in Scotland, revealed burials in stone cists, over 200 pieces of carved stone grave markers and ornamented cross-slabs, workshops making sacred vessels and vellum for holy books, unusual bag-shaped buildings and a water-mill. The book has three parts: “Exploring”, “The Age of Fame” and :“Legacy”. It tells the story of the investigation, describes what was found and what it means for the history of Scotland and the understanding of early religion for us today. The book is provided at the back with a Digest of Evidence, summarising the archaeological finds, layers, features, structures and the results of survey, making it handy for student use at school and university and essential for fellow archaeologists.
Juliet Mullins
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780197264508
- eISBN:
- 9780191734120
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197264508.003.0006
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
This chapter examines the doubtful issues in Bede's account of the pre-Viking history of Britain and Ireland in his Historia Ecclesiastica (HE). It focuses on the section of the HE where Bede ...
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This chapter examines the doubtful issues in Bede's account of the pre-Viking history of Britain and Ireland in his Historia Ecclesiastica (HE). It focuses on the section of the HE where Bede attributed the conversion of the Picts to the work of Columba and the Christianisation of the southern Picts to one Nynia episcopo reuerentissimo et sanctissimo uiro de natione Brettonum. The chapter explores the origins of the cult of Saint Martin of Tours and considers what evidence it might offer about the nexus of influences operating upon Bede's account of the conversion.Less
This chapter examines the doubtful issues in Bede's account of the pre-Viking history of Britain and Ireland in his Historia Ecclesiastica (HE). It focuses on the section of the HE where Bede attributed the conversion of the Picts to the work of Columba and the Christianisation of the southern Picts to one Nynia episcopo reuerentissimo et sanctissimo uiro de natione Brettonum. The chapter explores the origins of the cult of Saint Martin of Tours and considers what evidence it might offer about the nexus of influences operating upon Bede's account of the conversion.
Geoffrey Barrow
- Published in print:
- 1992
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198203612
- eISBN:
- 9780191675898
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198203612.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
The frontier between Scotland and England, long known simply as ‘the Border’, began to take shape during the 10th century, when a resurgent West Saxon monarchy found itself drawn northward ...
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The frontier between Scotland and England, long known simply as ‘the Border’, began to take shape during the 10th century, when a resurgent West Saxon monarchy found itself drawn northward ineluctably by the collapse of the Danish kingdom of York, while an equally aggressive Scottish monarchy, with a hundred years' experience of governing the old kingdom of Picts, found itself challenged in the south-west by a still vigorous Brittonic Cumbria and in the south-east by a Bernician (Anglian) noble family sometimes called the ‘House of Bamburgh’. It is true that the carboniferous limestone which forms the basis of northern Cumberland and of so much of Northumberland swings round in a great arc to re-enter Scotland along the Berwickshire plain (‘the Merse’). The basic pastoralism of northern England and of most of Scotland other than the eastern coastal plain is of course in no sense peculiar to the medieval period.Less
The frontier between Scotland and England, long known simply as ‘the Border’, began to take shape during the 10th century, when a resurgent West Saxon monarchy found itself drawn northward ineluctably by the collapse of the Danish kingdom of York, while an equally aggressive Scottish monarchy, with a hundred years' experience of governing the old kingdom of Picts, found itself challenged in the south-west by a still vigorous Brittonic Cumbria and in the south-east by a Bernician (Anglian) noble family sometimes called the ‘House of Bamburgh’. It is true that the carboniferous limestone which forms the basis of northern Cumberland and of so much of Northumberland swings round in a great arc to re-enter Scotland along the Berwickshire plain (‘the Merse’). The basic pastoralism of northern England and of most of Scotland other than the eastern coastal plain is of course in no sense peculiar to the medieval period.
Martin Carver
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748624416
- eISBN:
- 9780748670703
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748624416.003.0003
- Subject:
- Archaeology, Historical Archaeology
The story of the excavation and what it unearthed, and how. On the site of St Colman's – a sequence of nine churches from the 8th to the 20th century; in the Glebe Field, a paved road leading to a ...
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The story of the excavation and what it unearthed, and how. On the site of St Colman's – a sequence of nine churches from the 8th to the 20th century; in the Glebe Field, a paved road leading to a mill with workshops on either side; in the south field, a large, beautifully symmetric, bag-shaped building housing metal-workers.Less
The story of the excavation and what it unearthed, and how. On the site of St Colman's – a sequence of nine churches from the 8th to the 20th century; in the Glebe Field, a paved road leading to a mill with workshops on either side; in the south field, a large, beautifully symmetric, bag-shaped building housing metal-workers.
Martin Carver
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748624416
- eISBN:
- 9780748670703
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748624416.003.0005
- Subject:
- Archaeology, Historical Archaeology
This chapter is all about Pictish sculpture, one of the unsung glories of early Europe. The Picts were expert fashioners of stone and masters of line in both incised and relief carving. They had ...
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This chapter is all about Pictish sculpture, one of the unsung glories of early Europe. The Picts were expert fashioners of stone and masters of line in both incised and relief carving. They had their own distinctive symbolic written language, consisting of rods, discs, crescents and animal shapes. Here we explore the form of the original monuments found broken into pieces at Portmahomack, their ornament and where they originally stood.Less
This chapter is all about Pictish sculpture, one of the unsung glories of early Europe. The Picts were expert fashioners of stone and masters of line in both incised and relief carving. They had their own distinctive symbolic written language, consisting of rods, discs, crescents and animal shapes. Here we explore the form of the original monuments found broken into pieces at Portmahomack, their ornament and where they originally stood.
Ian Armit
- Published in print:
- 1996
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748608584
- eISBN:
- 9780748670710
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748608584.003.0009
- Subject:
- Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology
This chapter examines the archaeological evidence for the Early Medieval period of the historical Picts and Scots. It examines the rich archaeology from sites like Eilean Olabhat and the Udal in ...
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This chapter examines the archaeological evidence for the Early Medieval period of the historical Picts and Scots. It examines the rich archaeology from sites like Eilean Olabhat and the Udal in North Uist, exploring the cellular building forms that replace the earlier monumental roundhouses.Less
This chapter examines the archaeological evidence for the Early Medieval period of the historical Picts and Scots. It examines the rich archaeology from sites like Eilean Olabhat and the Udal in North Uist, exploring the cellular building forms that replace the earlier monumental roundhouses.
Richard Hingley
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199641413
- eISBN:
- 9780191745720
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199641413.003.0004
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Archaeology: Classical
This chapter reviews the formation of the northern frontier of the kingdom of England from the eleventh to the later sixteenth century. Through a study of the physical and symbolic roles of the Wall, ...
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This chapter reviews the formation of the northern frontier of the kingdom of England from the eleventh to the later sixteenth century. Through a study of the physical and symbolic roles of the Wall, it explores the origins of the concept linking this Roman monument to the delimitation of the northern boundary of England. This theme draws upon a significant location along the Wall's line, Lanercost Priory (Cumbria). Lanercost is a medieval religious house that was founded during the later half of the twelfth century, in the contested borderlands between England and Scotland. The construction of the Priory drew both physically and conceptually upon the remains of the Picts' Wall located 700 metres to the north. During the late sixteenth century, the buildings of the converted Priory were to become the home of Christopher Dacre, one of the Elizabethan gentlemen responsible for the maintenance of order along England's northern frontier.Less
This chapter reviews the formation of the northern frontier of the kingdom of England from the eleventh to the later sixteenth century. Through a study of the physical and symbolic roles of the Wall, it explores the origins of the concept linking this Roman monument to the delimitation of the northern boundary of England. This theme draws upon a significant location along the Wall's line, Lanercost Priory (Cumbria). Lanercost is a medieval religious house that was founded during the later half of the twelfth century, in the contested borderlands between England and Scotland. The construction of the Priory drew both physically and conceptually upon the remains of the Picts' Wall located 700 metres to the north. During the late sixteenth century, the buildings of the converted Priory were to become the home of Christopher Dacre, one of the Elizabethan gentlemen responsible for the maintenance of order along England's northern frontier.
Richard Hingley
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199641413
- eISBN:
- 9780191745720
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199641413.003.0005
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Archaeology: Classical
The Picts' Wall was a focus of considerable interest during the late sixteenth century and the first decade of the seventeenth. Late in the reign of Queen Elizabeth and during the succeeding reign of ...
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The Picts' Wall was a focus of considerable interest during the late sixteenth century and the first decade of the seventeenth. Late in the reign of Queen Elizabeth and during the succeeding reign of King James, playwrights, poets, historians, antiquaries, and mapmakers were intent on exploring the character and history of England and establishing an identity for the English. In this context, William Camden's influential volume Britannia used classical texts to construct an ancestral geography for the kingdom. This chapter focuses on Camden's image of the character of the Picts' Wall and compares this with the creation of a living spirit for the monument in ‘Song XXIX’ of Michael Drayton's poetical work, Poly-Olbion (1622). The chapter explores the relationship of these works to the Wall's function in bounding contemporary England, and makes some observations on the relationship between history and story in the writings of Camden and Drayton.Less
The Picts' Wall was a focus of considerable interest during the late sixteenth century and the first decade of the seventeenth. Late in the reign of Queen Elizabeth and during the succeeding reign of King James, playwrights, poets, historians, antiquaries, and mapmakers were intent on exploring the character and history of England and establishing an identity for the English. In this context, William Camden's influential volume Britannia used classical texts to construct an ancestral geography for the kingdom. This chapter focuses on Camden's image of the character of the Picts' Wall and compares this with the creation of a living spirit for the monument in ‘Song XXIX’ of Michael Drayton's poetical work, Poly-Olbion (1622). The chapter explores the relationship of these works to the Wall's function in bounding contemporary England, and makes some observations on the relationship between history and story in the writings of Camden and Drayton.
Richard Hingley
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199641413
- eISBN:
- 9780191745720
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199641413.003.0006
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Archaeology: Classical
In 1695, a new edition of Camden's Britannia was published. Although there was little additional information on the Picts' Wall, antiquarian interest in the monument increased significantly during ...
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In 1695, a new edition of Camden's Britannia was published. Although there was little additional information on the Picts' Wall, antiquarian interest in the monument increased significantly during the early decades of the eighteenth century. This chapter explores the new interpretations of the Wall that developed during the first half of the eighteenth century, up to the Jacobite uprising of 1745–6. It examines the conceptual role of the Wall with regard to the unity and disunity of England and Scotland, the results of the Act of Union of 1707, and the concomitant revival of interest. George Smith's particular interest in the Roman fort at Castlesteads (Cumbria), exemplifies a new approach to the Wall's remains.Less
In 1695, a new edition of Camden's Britannia was published. Although there was little additional information on the Picts' Wall, antiquarian interest in the monument increased significantly during the early decades of the eighteenth century. This chapter explores the new interpretations of the Wall that developed during the first half of the eighteenth century, up to the Jacobite uprising of 1745–6. It examines the conceptual role of the Wall with regard to the unity and disunity of England and Scotland, the results of the Act of Union of 1707, and the concomitant revival of interest. George Smith's particular interest in the Roman fort at Castlesteads (Cumbria), exemplifies a new approach to the Wall's remains.
Alex Woolf
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748612338
- eISBN:
- 9780748672165
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748612338.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
In the 780s, northern Britain was dominated by two great kingdoms: Pictavia, centred in north-eastern Scotland; and Northumbria, which straddled the modern Anglo-Scottish border. Within a hundred ...
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In the 780s, northern Britain was dominated by two great kingdoms: Pictavia, centred in north-eastern Scotland; and Northumbria, which straddled the modern Anglo-Scottish border. Within a hundred years, both of these kingdoms had been thrown into chaos by the onslaught of the Vikings, and within two hundred years they had become distant memories. This book charts the transformation of the political landscape of northern Britain between the eighth and the eleventh centuries. Central to this narrative is the mysterious disappearance of the Picts and their language, and the sudden rise to prominence of the Gaelic-speaking Scots who would replace them as the rulers of the North. The book uses fragmentary sources that survive from this darkest period in Scottish history to guide the reader past the pitfalls which beset the unwary traveller in these dangerous times. Important sources are presented in full, and their value as evidence is thoroughly explored and evaluated.Less
In the 780s, northern Britain was dominated by two great kingdoms: Pictavia, centred in north-eastern Scotland; and Northumbria, which straddled the modern Anglo-Scottish border. Within a hundred years, both of these kingdoms had been thrown into chaos by the onslaught of the Vikings, and within two hundred years they had become distant memories. This book charts the transformation of the political landscape of northern Britain between the eighth and the eleventh centuries. Central to this narrative is the mysterious disappearance of the Picts and their language, and the sudden rise to prominence of the Gaelic-speaking Scots who would replace them as the rulers of the North. The book uses fragmentary sources that survive from this darkest period in Scottish history to guide the reader past the pitfalls which beset the unwary traveller in these dangerous times. Important sources are presented in full, and their value as evidence is thoroughly explored and evaluated.
Bernhard Maier
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748616053
- eISBN:
- 9780748672219
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748616053.003.0014
- Subject:
- History, Ancient History / Archaeology
This chapter focuses on the close political, social and literary relations that bound the Celtic-speaking regions of Ireland and Scotland in the late Middle Ages and early modern age. It discusses ...
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This chapter focuses on the close political, social and literary relations that bound the Celtic-speaking regions of Ireland and Scotland in the late Middle Ages and early modern age. It discusses the political history of Scots and Picts, early Christianity in Scotland and the languages of Scotland in the Middle Ages.Less
This chapter focuses on the close political, social and literary relations that bound the Celtic-speaking regions of Ireland and Scotland in the late Middle Ages and early modern age. It discusses the political history of Scots and Picts, early Christianity in Scotland and the languages of Scotland in the Middle Ages.
Alex Woolf
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748612338
- eISBN:
- 9780748672165
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748612338.003.0004
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
The year 839 was marked by the defeat of the men of Fortriu and the killing by the heathens of Wen son of Onuist, king of Fortriu, his brother Bran and Áed son of Boanta, king of Dál Riata. The ...
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The year 839 was marked by the defeat of the men of Fortriu and the killing by the heathens of Wen son of Onuist, king of Fortriu, his brother Bran and Áed son of Boanta, king of Dál Riata. The following sixty years would see the disappearance of the Picts from the historical record but how and why they disappeared is far from clear. This chapter begins with a brief discussion of the source material for this key period in early Scottish history. It then discusses the manuscript known as the Chronicles of the Kings of Alba; accounts of the death of Cinaed son of Alpín, rex Pictorum, under the year 858; the translation of the relics of Columba; Cinaed's war; Domnall, son of Alpín (858–62); Constantín, son of Cinaed (862–76); Áed, son of Cinaed (876–8); and Eochaid and Giric (878–89).Less
The year 839 was marked by the defeat of the men of Fortriu and the killing by the heathens of Wen son of Onuist, king of Fortriu, his brother Bran and Áed son of Boanta, king of Dál Riata. The following sixty years would see the disappearance of the Picts from the historical record but how and why they disappeared is far from clear. This chapter begins with a brief discussion of the source material for this key period in early Scottish history. It then discusses the manuscript known as the Chronicles of the Kings of Alba; accounts of the death of Cinaed son of Alpín, rex Pictorum, under the year 858; the translation of the relics of Columba; Cinaed's war; Domnall, son of Alpín (858–62); Constantín, son of Cinaed (862–76); Áed, son of Cinaed (876–8); and Eochaid and Giric (878–89).
Alex Woolf
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748612338
- eISBN:
- 9780748672165
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748612338.003.0009
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
This chapter reviews the changes in Scotland between the mid-eighth and the mid-eleventh centuries. The most obvious change in the political landscape of northern Britain in the period under ...
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This chapter reviews the changes in Scotland between the mid-eighth and the mid-eleventh centuries. The most obvious change in the political landscape of northern Britain in the period under discussion was the disappearance of the Picts and their replacement as the dominant people of the region by the Scots. No contemporary source describes the events surrounding this transformation, but they do seem fairly consistent in describing Cinaed son of Alpín's sons as rulers of the Picts (862–78) and his grandsons as rulers of the Scots (889–943). The chapter also discusses language and culture in the Scoto-Pictish kingdom; the Gaelic conquest of Pictavia; and Albanian society in the tenth and eleventh centuries.Less
This chapter reviews the changes in Scotland between the mid-eighth and the mid-eleventh centuries. The most obvious change in the political landscape of northern Britain in the period under discussion was the disappearance of the Picts and their replacement as the dominant people of the region by the Scots. No contemporary source describes the events surrounding this transformation, but they do seem fairly consistent in describing Cinaed son of Alpín's sons as rulers of the Picts (862–78) and his grandsons as rulers of the Scots (889–943). The chapter also discusses language and culture in the Scoto-Pictish kingdom; the Gaelic conquest of Pictavia; and Albanian society in the tenth and eleventh centuries.
James E. Fraser
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748612314
- eISBN:
- 9780748672158
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748612314.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
The story of Columba and the Picts is nothing like as straightforward as conventional narratives have long held. Its place in Scottish history requires careful rethinking. A fine scholar, a committed ...
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The story of Columba and the Picts is nothing like as straightforward as conventional narratives have long held. Its place in Scottish history requires careful rethinking. A fine scholar, a committed advocate of a certain kind of monastic life, and a close relative of mighty kings, Columba may have visited Moray. He may have founded monasteries there. He may have evangelised in their neighbourhoods. On balance, however, the thin evidence is rather better that Columba went to Atholl and that he behaved there much as Columbanus did in Burgundy. There can be no doubt that he consorted with kings, and that he did have a strong message for Pictish ears, if monastic ones.Less
The story of Columba and the Picts is nothing like as straightforward as conventional narratives have long held. Its place in Scottish history requires careful rethinking. A fine scholar, a committed advocate of a certain kind of monastic life, and a close relative of mighty kings, Columba may have visited Moray. He may have founded monasteries there. He may have evangelised in their neighbourhoods. On balance, however, the thin evidence is rather better that Columba went to Atholl and that he behaved there much as Columbanus did in Burgundy. There can be no doubt that he consorted with kings, and that he did have a strong message for Pictish ears, if monastic ones.
Edward J Cowan and Richard J Finlay
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748614196
- eISBN:
- 9780748653317
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748614196.001.0001
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Scottish Studies
This book examines the power of the past upon the present. It shows how generations of Scots have exploited and reshaped history to meet the needs of a series of presents, from the conquest of the ...
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This book examines the power of the past upon the present. It shows how generations of Scots have exploited and reshaped history to meet the needs of a series of presents, from the conquest of the Picts to the refounding of Parliament. The individual chapters address a broad range of topics: the violent manipulations of the past in medieval Scotland; the well-entrenched assumptions about the Scottish Reformation; the transformation of ‘Highland barbarism’ into ‘Gaelicism’; the ‘Killing Times’ of the covenanters; the seventeenth century fashion for creative family history; the victims of Pictomania in Scotland and modern Ulster; the comparable mania driving Jacobitism; the cult of Victoria and the queen's idea of herself as the heiress of the Scottish monarchy; and the neglect of women and the dangers of reconstructing history to suit modern sensitivities. Finally, a sociologist's perspective on the continuing dialogue between the past and the present is provided. By exploring how the people of Scotland have variously understood, used and been inspired by the past, this book offers a series of insights into the concerns of previous generations and their understanding of themselves and their times. It throws fresh light on the evolution of history in Scotland and on the actions and ambitions of the Scots who have formed and reformed the nation.Less
This book examines the power of the past upon the present. It shows how generations of Scots have exploited and reshaped history to meet the needs of a series of presents, from the conquest of the Picts to the refounding of Parliament. The individual chapters address a broad range of topics: the violent manipulations of the past in medieval Scotland; the well-entrenched assumptions about the Scottish Reformation; the transformation of ‘Highland barbarism’ into ‘Gaelicism’; the ‘Killing Times’ of the covenanters; the seventeenth century fashion for creative family history; the victims of Pictomania in Scotland and modern Ulster; the comparable mania driving Jacobitism; the cult of Victoria and the queen's idea of herself as the heiress of the Scottish monarchy; and the neglect of women and the dangers of reconstructing history to suit modern sensitivities. Finally, a sociologist's perspective on the continuing dialogue between the past and the present is provided. By exploring how the people of Scotland have variously understood, used and been inspired by the past, this book offers a series of insights into the concerns of previous generations and their understanding of themselves and their times. It throws fresh light on the evolution of history in Scotland and on the actions and ambitions of the Scots who have formed and reformed the nation.
Dauvit Broun
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748623600
- eISBN:
- 9780748653416
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748623600.003.0016
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Scottish Studies
This chapter argues that another explanation is available to the meaning of Alba: one in which the Britishness of Alba is fully acknowledged without supposing that this meant a claim to be the ...
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This chapter argues that another explanation is available to the meaning of Alba: one in which the Britishness of Alba is fully acknowledged without supposing that this meant a claim to be the predominant king of the whole island, and in which continuity with the Picts is seen not as a historiographical device, but as a fundamental facet of the kingship's identity. It notes that Alba was originally a Gaelic word for ‘Britain’, and that it acquired its modern meaning of ‘Scotland’ through its use as the Gaelic term for the kingdom of the Scots since the tenth century. What lies at the heart of both is the compelling logic of the landmass between the Forth and the north coast as a concept that could legitimise the kingship's claim to be the highest secular authority in northern Britain.Less
This chapter argues that another explanation is available to the meaning of Alba: one in which the Britishness of Alba is fully acknowledged without supposing that this meant a claim to be the predominant king of the whole island, and in which continuity with the Picts is seen not as a historiographical device, but as a fundamental facet of the kingship's identity. It notes that Alba was originally a Gaelic word for ‘Britain’, and that it acquired its modern meaning of ‘Scotland’ through its use as the Gaelic term for the kingdom of the Scots since the tenth century. What lies at the heart of both is the compelling logic of the landmass between the Forth and the north coast as a concept that could legitimise the kingship's claim to be the highest secular authority in northern Britain.
Dauvit Broun
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748614196
- eISBN:
- 9780748653317
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748614196.003.0001
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Scottish Studies
This chapter scrutinises the role of the unfortunate Picts, who were as much of an embarrassment to medieval historians as they have proved a ‘problem’ to their modern successors. When Scots were ...
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This chapter scrutinises the role of the unfortunate Picts, who were as much of an embarrassment to medieval historians as they have proved a ‘problem’ to their modern successors. When Scots were content to trace their origins to Ireland the Picts were useful as the objects of conquest, but by the later thirteenth century they had to be integrated into the proto-history of Scotland, a feat ultimately accomplished by John of Fordun using materials assembled a century before he wrote.Less
This chapter scrutinises the role of the unfortunate Picts, who were as much of an embarrassment to medieval historians as they have proved a ‘problem’ to their modern successors. When Scots were content to trace their origins to Ireland the Picts were useful as the objects of conquest, but by the later thirteenth century they had to be integrated into the proto-history of Scotland, a feat ultimately accomplished by John of Fordun using materials assembled a century before he wrote.
Colin Kidd
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748614196
- eISBN:
- 9780748653317
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748614196.003.0008
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Scottish Studies
This chapter explores ideas about the Picts over some three hundred years. It shows that Pictomania has claimed many victims not only in Scotland but in modern Ulster. Picts were viewed as the ...
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This chapter explores ideas about the Picts over some three hundred years. It shows that Pictomania has claimed many victims not only in Scotland but in modern Ulster. Picts were viewed as the autochthonous people of northern Britain and that, as a consequence, any claim to aboriginal authority must confront an ancient Pictish presence. The argument that each generation recreated the Pictish past to meet its own ideological needs tells only half of a fascinating story; for there are consistent threads which join the various episodes studied. In each case the Picts — representing a suppressed aboriginal truth — were deployed to unmask a form of false consciousness about national origins. Moreover, in almost every case the ideological error to be exposed was a myth of Gaelic origins.Less
This chapter explores ideas about the Picts over some three hundred years. It shows that Pictomania has claimed many victims not only in Scotland but in modern Ulster. Picts were viewed as the autochthonous people of northern Britain and that, as a consequence, any claim to aboriginal authority must confront an ancient Pictish presence. The argument that each generation recreated the Pictish past to meet its own ideological needs tells only half of a fascinating story; for there are consistent threads which join the various episodes studied. In each case the Picts — representing a suppressed aboriginal truth — were deployed to unmask a form of false consciousness about national origins. Moreover, in almost every case the ideological error to be exposed was a myth of Gaelic origins.
Gilbert Márkus
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780748678983
- eISBN:
- 9781474435208
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748678983.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Medieval History
Scotland’s first appearance in the historical record comes through its international trading links, and is seen initially through the eyes of those who write about it: traders, and then Roman ...
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Scotland’s first appearance in the historical record comes through its international trading links, and is seen initially through the eyes of those who write about it: traders, and then Roman writers in the context of Roman invasion and imperial administration. This chapter stresses the ambiguities of the experience of Empire among native societies of Scotland, negotiating ‘between fear and desire’. We therefore cannot present this period as a straightforward conflict between ‘Celt’ and ‘Roman’. The various processes of ‘Romanisation’ (or acquisition of romanitas) by native societies are discussed, not merely in terms of the ebb and flow of colonial reach, but in terms of the active agency of native communities in taking what they wanted from the repertoire of romanitas – which in itself was a soup of very varied cultural practices from all over the Empire (including, ultimately, Christianity). The motives and perceptions of all participants in this process are examined critically.Less
Scotland’s first appearance in the historical record comes through its international trading links, and is seen initially through the eyes of those who write about it: traders, and then Roman writers in the context of Roman invasion and imperial administration. This chapter stresses the ambiguities of the experience of Empire among native societies of Scotland, negotiating ‘between fear and desire’. We therefore cannot present this period as a straightforward conflict between ‘Celt’ and ‘Roman’. The various processes of ‘Romanisation’ (or acquisition of romanitas) by native societies are discussed, not merely in terms of the ebb and flow of colonial reach, but in terms of the active agency of native communities in taking what they wanted from the repertoire of romanitas – which in itself was a soup of very varied cultural practices from all over the Empire (including, ultimately, Christianity). The motives and perceptions of all participants in this process are examined critically.
Alexandra Sanmark
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781474402293
- eISBN:
- 9781474435260
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9781474402293.003.0008
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
This chapter examines the evidence of Norse administrative structures and thing sites in Norse Scotland. This area, unlike Iceland, Greenland and the Faroes, had been populated since the Mesolithic ...
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This chapter examines the evidence of Norse administrative structures and thing sites in Norse Scotland. This area, unlike Iceland, Greenland and the Faroes, had been populated since the Mesolithic period, and the Norse therefore interacted with existing populations. In this area, the Norse expressed themselves just as in Scandinavia, through the appropriation of monuments, above all large mounds. The other assembly site features are similar to those found in the other Norse settlements as well as Scandinavia, although some influence from the Picts and Gaels of Scotland is seen.The nature of the evidence of law and assembly varies across Norse Scotland, partly as a result of the different political situations. The most detailed evidence relates to Orkney and Shetland, where Norse rule lasted the longest.Less
This chapter examines the evidence of Norse administrative structures and thing sites in Norse Scotland. This area, unlike Iceland, Greenland and the Faroes, had been populated since the Mesolithic period, and the Norse therefore interacted with existing populations. In this area, the Norse expressed themselves just as in Scandinavia, through the appropriation of monuments, above all large mounds. The other assembly site features are similar to those found in the other Norse settlements as well as Scandinavia, although some influence from the Picts and Gaels of Scotland is seen.The nature of the evidence of law and assembly varies across Norse Scotland, partly as a result of the different political situations. The most detailed evidence relates to Orkney and Shetland, where Norse rule lasted the longest.
