First King of Scotland (Alba). Born Ciniod MacAlpin, son of Alpin MacEochaid, king of Dalriada, his mother is said to have been a daughter of Achalas, King of Argyllshire, or a Pictish princess. His father was killed in battle against the ruling Picts, and MacAlpin took control of Dalriada. The Picts were later decimated by Viking raids, and taking advantage of this weakness, MacAlpin summoned the remaining Earls of Caledonia to his court. A banquet was held, and when the guests, including the Pictish king, were inebriated, MacAlpin's men slaughtered them. Thus the way was clear for him to claim the throne of the two kingdoms, Scots and Picts, and become King of Alba. He ruled from 841 - 859, took the Christian name Kenneth, and moved the capital from Dunndald to Scone. Considered to be astute by some, and ruthless by others, he successfully united the rule of the two kingdoms permanently. He was succeeded by his brother, Donald.
First King of Scotland (Alba). Born Ciniod MacAlpin, son of Alpin MacEochaid, king of Dalriada, his mother is said to have been a daughter of Achalas, King of Argyllshire, or a Pictish princess. His father was killed in battle against the ruling Picts, and MacAlpin took control of Dalriada. The Picts were later decimated by Viking raids, and taking advantage of this weakness, MacAlpin summoned the remaining Earls of Caledonia to his court. A banquet was held, and when the guests, including the Pictish king, were inebriated, MacAlpin's men slaughtered them. Thus the way was clear for him to claim the throne of the two kingdoms, Scots and Picts, and become King of Alba. He ruled from 841 - 859, took the Christian name Kenneth, and moved the capital from Dunndald to Scone. Considered to be astute by some, and ruthless by others, he successfully united the rule of the two kingdoms permanently. He was succeeded by his brother, Donald.
Bio by: Kristen Conrad
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