Eochaid ab Rhun

Reign: 878 – 889
Life: 900–889

He was a son of Rhun ab Arthgal, King of Strathclyde, and descended from a long line of British kings. This maternal descent from the royal Alpínid dynasty may well account for the record of Eochaid reigning over the Pictish realm after the death of Cináed's son, Áed, in 878. According to various sources, Áed was slain by Giric, whose ancestry is uncertain and who then proceeded to usurp the Alban throne. Indeed, the name Eochaid is Gaelic and may indicate his maternal descent from the Alpínid dynasty.

During Eochaid ab Rhun's reign, Alfred the Great ruled England, Emperor Xizong of Tang ruled China, and Basil I ruled Rome.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Scotland: A History by Jenny Wormald

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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.

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From the library

Go deeper on Eochaid ab Rhun

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Scotland: A History

Jenny Wormald

The standard one-volume history of Scotland, essential context for the early kingdom and its kings.

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Medieval Scotland: The Making of an Identity
Bruce Webster
A concise survey of medieval Scotland that situates Eochaid ab Rhun within church, lordship, and crown.
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