BattlefieldsNorse Raid on Iona 825
Early Medieval

Norse Raid on Iona 825

825
Scotland
Also known as: Martyrdom of Blathmac 825
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Iona monastery
Forces
Iona monastery: c. 40–100 monks including abbot Blathmac.
VS
Victor
Norse raiders
Forces
Norse raiders: c. 50–120 warriors
Outcome
Abbot Blathmac martyred; relics hidden
The Battle

History & Significance

Norse raiders killed the abbot Blathmac when he refused to reveal where the shrine of Columba had been hidden, creating one of the best-documented Viking martyrdoms in early medieval hagiography.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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