BattlefieldsThorstein the Red Subjugation of Ross and Moray c.875
Early Medieval

Thorstein the Red Subjugation of Ross and Moray c.875

875
Scotland
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Scottish and Pictish forces of Ross and Moray
VS
Victor
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Thorstein the Red Norse warband
Outcome
Thorstein temporarily held Ross and parts of Moray; slain by Scots in ambush before consolidation was complete; Norse mainland control north of Moray Firth not sustained after his death.
The Battle

History & Significance

The Norse sagas record that Thorstein the Red son of Olaf the White conquered Ross and Moray and held them before being treacherously slain. If accurate this represents the most extensive Norse territorial conquest on the Scottish mainland, penetrating south of the Moray Firth into the agricultural heartland of northeastern Scotland. The treacherous killing of Thorstein by the Scots demonstrates active Scottish resistance to Norse mainland occupation.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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