Before 1000 AD – Before the Arrival of the Stewarts
During this era, the ancestors of the future Stewarts were residing Bretagne (present-day Brittany in northern France), a Celtic-speaking region.
Balquhidder/Stewart History
National/Global History
Roman-Pictish Period
1st Century AD - Roman Invasion of Britain
The Roman invasion of Britain and parts of southern Pictland (Scotland), marks the beginning of Roman influence in the region (Wikipedia)
Late 3rd Century AD - Roman Occupation of Scotland
The Romans establish the Antonine Wall as the northernmost boundary of their empire bordering Pictland. (Wikipedia)
4th Century AD - Roman Withdrawal from Britain
The Roman Empire’s withdrawal from Britain creates a power vacuum that contributes to the emergence of early Scottish kingdoms. (Wikipedia)
THE ARRIVAL OF THE SCOTS AND THE ANGLO-SAXONS
5th Century AD - Arrival of the Scots
The Scots, an Irish Gaelic-speaking people, begin migrating to southwestern Scotland, giving the region its name. (Wikipedia)
6th Century AD - Saint Columba Founds the Monastery of Iona
Columba plays a significant role in the Christianization of Scotland. (Wikipedia)
7th Century AD - Population of Scotland 100,000
The population of Dal Riata and Pictland is estimated to be about 100,000. Average life expectancy is about 26-29 years.
7th Century AD - Battle of Nechtansmere
The Picts, led by King Bridei, defeat the Northumbrians, strengthening Pictish independence. (Wikipedia)
THE ARRIVAL OF THE VIKINGS
8th Century AD - Viking Raids
Viking raids on the Scottish coast begin, leading to Norse settlements in areas like Orkney and Shetland. (Wikipedia)
8th Century AD - St. Angus Brings Irish Celtic Christianity to Balquhidder
St. Angus establishes his cell in Balquhidder near the current church and introduced Celtic Christianity. (Wikipedia)
8th Century AD - St. Fillan Comes to Upper Strathearn
Fillan, an Irish monk, travels to Scotland and settles in Strath Fillan. (Wikipedia)
KING KENNETH UNITES THE SCOTS AND PICTS
King Kenneth I (ca. 810 – 13 February 858). Reign: 843 – 858. Formation of Alba
Kenneth MacAlpin, a Pictish king, becomes the first ruler of Alba, uniting the Picts and Scots and establishing a dynasty. (Wikipedia)
King Donald I (d. 900). Reign: 858 – 862
King Donald I rules briefly and faces Viking threats. (Wikipedia)
King Constantine I (d. ca. 877). Reign: 862 – 877
King Constantine I resists Viking invasions during his reign.
(Wikipedia)
King Aedh (d. 878). Reign: 877 – 878.
King Aedh has a short reign marked by Viking raids. (Wikipedia)
King Giric & King Eochaid (d. 889). Reign: 878 – 889.
King Giric & King Eochaid work to stabilize the kingdom amidst Viking threats. (Wikipedia)
King Donald II (d. 900). Reign: 889 – 900.
King Donald II makes efforts to strengthen Scottish rule. (Wikipedia)
King Constantine II (d. 952). Reign: 900 – 943.
King Constantine II faces Viking invasions and territorial conflicts. (Wikipedia)
9th Century AD - Battle of Dunkeld
The Scots, under King Constantine II, defend against Viking invaders at Dunkeld, preserving Scottish independence.
King Malcolm I (d. 954). Reign: 943 – 954.
King Malcolm I focuses on internal affairs and consolidating power. (Wikipedia)
King Indulf (d. 962). Reign: 954 – 962.
King Indulf faces Viking challenges, maintains the kingdom’s integrity, and expands the kingdom’s territory into Lothian. (Wikipedia)
King Dubh (d. 967). Reign: 962 – 967.
King Dubh’s reign is marked by Viking threats and internal strife. (Wikipedia)
King Culen (d. 971). Reign: 967 – 971.
King Culen has a short reign with limited historical records. (Wikipedia)
King Kenneth II (d. 995). Reign: 971 – 995.
King Kenneth II is known for efforts to strengthen the monarchy. (Wikipedia)
King Constantine III (d. 997). Reign: 995 – 997.
King Constantine III faces Viking invasions and internal conflicts. (Wikipedia)
King Kenneth III (d, 1005). Reign: 997 – 1005.
King Kenneth III struggles against rival claimants to the throne. (Wikipedia)