Like the Picts and Vikings, the Britons played an important role in the shaping of Scottish history during the first millennium AD but their story is often neglected or ignored. This book redresses the balance by studying the northern Britons from the departure of Rome to the birth of medieval Scotland.

Who was Merlin? Is the famous wizard of Arthurian legend based on a real person? In this book, Merlin s origins are traced back to the story of Lailoken, a mysterious wild man who is said to have lived in the Scottish Lowlands in the sixth century AD. The book considers the question of whether Lailoken belongs to myth or reality. It looks at the historical background of his story and discusses key characters such as Saint Kentigern of Glasgow and King Rhydderch of Dumbarton, as well as important events such as the Battle of Arfderydd."

Drawing together the remaining historical fragments of the Pictsan ancient nation who ruled most of northern and eastern Scotland during the Dark Agesthis account relates the story of this mysterious people from their emergence in Roman times to their eventual disappearance. Considering their unique identity, language, and vibrant artistic culture, this chronicle examines the Picts legacy, including the mysterious monuments that still survive in modern Scotland s landscape: standing stones decorated with incredible skill and covered with enigmatic symbols. Despite being absorbed by the...

Published to coincide with the 1100th anniversary of the death of AEthelflaed, who ruled over the ancient kingdom of Mercia (English Midlands). The book examines her important place in history as the only woman who ruled one of the major powers of Dark Age Britain.