BattlefieldsBattle of Strathearn 836
Early Medieval

Battle of Strathearn 836

836
Perthshire, Scotland
Also known as: Viking invasion Strathearn 836 · Norse in Perthshire 836
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Perthshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Pictish defenders
VS
Victor
Vikings
Outcome
Viking force penetrated deep into Strathearn; Pictish resistance failed
The Battle

History & Significance

The years 836-839 saw catastrophic Viking penetration into the Pictish heartland. A Norse force pushed up the Earn valley through Strathearn — the fertile valley of the River Earn running west from Perth. This was the agricultural and political heart of Pictland. The inability of the Picts to stop these incursions contributed to the political collapse that gave Kenneth MacAlpin his opportunity to seize the kingship.

Forces Involved

Vikings: c. 1,000-2,500. Pictish defenders: c. 800-2,000.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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