Battle of Dun Nechtain: Picts Destroy the Northumbrians, Scotland Survives
King Ecgfrith brought the finest cavalry in Britain into a narrow valley near a Scottish loch. He'd conquered half of northern England by doing exactly this—overwhelming local forces with mounted warriors. King Bridei III knew it. The Picts chose their ground carefully, funneling Northumbrians into marshland where horses couldn't maneuver. Ecgfrith died in the slaughter, along with most of his army. Northumbria never recovered its northern territories. The Picts stayed independent for another four centuries. Sometimes the trap works because someone walks in knowing it's there.
May 20, 685
1341 years ago
Key Figures & Places
Battle of Dunnichen
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Nechtansmere
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Picts
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Bridei III
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Northumbrians
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Ecgfrith of Northumbria
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Battle of Dun Nechtain
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Firth of Forth
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Northumbria
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Picts
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Battle of Dun Nechtain
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Bridei son of Beli
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Ecgfrith of Northumbria
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645
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Angeln (Volk)
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