Picts, Gaels and Scots: Early Historic Scotland

In the fifth to tenth century AD, early historic Scotland was home to diverse peoples and cultures, but by the eleventh century, it had become a single, unified kingdom known as Alba. The Picts and Gaels, originally immigrants from Ireland, had a significant influence on this transformation, contributing to the origins of the Picts and Gaels, the significance of Pictish symbols and sculpture, the art of war, settlement, agriculture, industry, and trade, religious beliefs, and the impact of Christianity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2024
Publisher: John Donald Publishers Ltd

Early historic Scotland, spanning from the fifth to the tenth century AD, was a vibrant tapestry of diverse peoples and cultures, each vying for dominance and control over the coveted land. However, by the eleventh century, a remarkable transformation had taken place. Scotland had unified under a stable and prosperous monarchy, known as Alba. How did this remarkable transformation occur, and when? At the heart of this intriguing mystery lies the profound influence of the Picts and their neighboring Gaels, originally immigrants from Ireland. In this revised and expanded edition of her acclaimed book, Sally M. Foster delves into the nature of their remarkable contribution and explores a multitude of themes, including:

The Origins of the Picts and Gaels: Understanding the roots of these ancient societies and their place in the broader historical context.

The Significance of Pictish Symbols and Early Historic Sculpture: Unveiling the rich artistic heritage of the Picts, including their iconic symbols and remarkable sculptures.

The Art of War and the Role of Kingship in Tribal Society: Examining the strategies and tactics employed by the Picts and Gaels in their battles for dominance and the role of kingship in their tribal societies.

Settlement, Agriculture, Industry, and Trade: Exploring the development of settlements, agricultural practices, industrial advancements, and trade networks in early historic Scotland.

Religious Beliefs and the Impact of Christianity: Investigating the religious beliefs of the Picts and Gaels, including their transition to Christianity and its profound influence on their society.

How the Picts and Gaels Became Scots: Tracing the process of cultural integration and assimilation that led to the formation of the Scots, incorporating elements of both the Picts and Gaels into a distinct identity.

This revised edition of Sally M. Foster's book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of early historic Scotland, shedding light on the complex interplay of cultures, societies, and historical events that shaped the nation's development. Through meticulous research and analysis, Foster provides a fresh perspective on the Picts and Gaels, challenging prevailing narratives and revealing the rich tapestry of their contribution to Scotland's history. Whether you are an avid historian, a student of ancient cultures, or simply interested in the fascinating stories of our past, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of this remarkable period.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 189 x 246 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780859767224
Edition number: Reissue