BattlefieldsBattle of Degsastan
Early Medieval

Battle of Degsastan

603
Scottish Borders, Scotland
Also known as: Battle of Degsa's Stone
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Scottish Borders, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Aedan mac Gabrain (Dal Riata Scots)
Forces
c.5,000 Dal Riatans (Aedan mac Gabrain)
VS
Victor
Aethelfrith of Northumbria
Forces
c.3,000 Northumbrians (Aethelfrith)
Outcome
Scottish-Irish invasion of Northumbria repulsed; Aedan's army annihilated
The Battle

History & Significance

Aedan mac Gabrain, king of Dal Riata (Irish-Scottish kingdom straddling the Irish Sea), invaded Northumbria with a large army that included Britons and Irish. Aethelfrith annihilated them at Degsastan (location uncertain but probably near Liddesdale). Bede notes that "no king of the Irish dared to lead an army into Britain" thereafter. It established Northumbrian military dominance in the north for decades.

Casualties & Losses

Aedan's sons and almost his entire army killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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