In the 780s northern Britain was dominated by two great kingdoms;
Pictavia, centred in north-eastern Scotland and Northumbria which
straddled the modern Anglo-Scottish border. Within a hundred years both
of these kingdoms had been thrown into chaos by the onslaught of the
Vikings and within two hundred years they had become distant memories.
This book charts the transformation of the political landscape of
northern Britain between the eighth and the eleventh centuries. Central
to this narrative is the mysterious disappearance of the Picts and their
language and the sudden rise to prominence of the Gaelic-speaking Scots
who would replace them as the rulers of the North.From Pictland to Alba
uses fragmentary sources which survive from this darkest period in
Scottish history to guide the reader past the pitfalls which beset the
unwary traveller in these dangerous times. Important sources are
presented in full and their value as evidence is thoroughly explored and
evaluated. Unlike most other volumes dealing with this period, this is a
book which 'shows its workings' and encourages the readers to reach
their own conclusions about the origins of Scotland.Key Features: - The
first book in over twenty years to explain the destruction of the Picts
and the rise of the Scottish kingdom from contemporary accounts alone-
Recounts and evaluates modern scholarship developing readers' awareness
of recent debates and controversies - Subjects contemporary sources to
rigorous examination allowing students to appreciate the strengths and
pitfalls of different types of evidence- Locates early Scottish history
firmly within a European context
