Duncan I of Scotland

Reign: 1034 – 1040
Life: 1001–1040

Donnchad mac Crinain (Scottish Gaelic: Donnchadh mac Crìonain; anglicised as Duncan I, and nicknamed An t-Ilgarach, "the Diseased" or "the Sick"; c. He is the historical basis of the "King Duncan" in Shakespeare's play Macbeth. There he was killed in action , at the battle of Bothnagowan , now Pitgaveny , near Elgin , by the men of Moray led by Macbeth, probably on 14 August 1040. In self-defence Macbeth meets him in battle and wounds him, and he dies of bleeding, for he is bad-blooded, or haemophiliac .

During Duncan I of Scotland's reign, Anund Jacob ruled Sweden, Conrad II ruled Holy Roman Empire, and Henry I of France ruled France.

Want to learn more? Further reading

The Great Scot by Duncan A. Bruce

Some book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.

The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Meanwhile in history

One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.

By subscribing you agree to receive emails from us. See our Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe any time.

From the library

Go deeper on Duncan I of Scotland

Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

The Great Scot

Duncan A. Bruce

A well-regarded work on Duncan I of Scotland and scottish history, useful for going deeper beyond this page.

Find this book on Amazon

The complete poetical works
Robert Burns
A well-regarded work on Duncan I of Scotland and scottish history, useful for going deeper beyond this page.
Find on Amazon