Dalriada, Dál Riata
Kingdom of the Scots
Dál Riada was a Gaelic overkingdom that existed in the western part of Scotland and northeastern Ireland during the early medieval period. The heartland of Dál Riada in Scotland included areas in modern Argyll and Bute, while in Ireland, it covered portions of County Antrim. The term “Dál Riada” is derived from Old Irish and means “portion of the Riada.”
Aedán mac Gabráin is seen as one of the earliest kings of Dál Riada. His son, Arthur of Dál Riata, has been suggested as the historical origin of King Arthur.
Origins
The kingdom of Dál Riada emerged through the migration of Gaelic-speaking people, primarily from Ireland to Scotland. The migration is believed to have taken place in the late fifth or early sixth century. The migration was likely driven by a combination of political, economic, and social factors.
Dál Riada was organized as a Gaelic overkingdom, with a system of kingship. The leadership structure involved a hierarchy of kins, and the overking, or ri, held a prominent position. The kingdom had a system of sub-kings ruling over various territories.
The legendary figure traditionally associated with the founding of Dál Riada is Fergus Mór, or Fergus the Great, a king from Ireland. The historical accuracy of these accounts are debated, but they provide a foundation for the establishment of the kingdom.
Aedán mac Gabráin is traditionally regarded as the first historically attested king of Dál Riada and is an important figure in the early medival history of Scotland and Ireland.
Cultural and Linguistic Influence
The people of Dál Riada shared Gaelic language and cultural ties with their counterparts in Ireland. The kingdom played a role in spreading Gaelic language and culture to western Scotland.
Religious Influence
Dál Riada was initially pagan, but it later converted to Christianity. The spread of Christianity was facilitated by the influence of Irish missionaries, and monastic centers, such as those founded by Saint Columba on the island of Iona, played a crucial role.
Viking Invasions
Like many other regions in the British Isles, Dál Riada experienced Viking raids and invasions during the eighth and ninth centuries. These incursions had a significant impact on the political and social landscape.
Integration with the Kingdom of Alba
Over time, the political landscape in Scotland changed, and Dál Riada became integrated with the emerging Kingdom of Alba (later known as the Kingdom of Scotland). The process of integration occured over several centuries.