BattlefieldsBattle of Inverness 1040
Early Medieval

Battle of Inverness 1040

1040
Inverness-shire, Scotland
Also known as: Duncan I killed at Spynie or Elgin
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Inverness-shire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Duncan I
Forces
Duncan I: c.1,000–1,500. Scottish pitched battle near Inverness.
VS
Victor
Macbeth (Mac Bethad mac Findláich)
Forces
Macbeth: c.1,000–1,500
Outcome
Duncan I killed; Macbeth became King of Scots
The Battle

History & Significance

The real events by which Macbeth became King of Scotland in 1040. Duncan I — not the saintly old man of Shakespeare but a young king who had suffered military disasters — was killed by Macbeth in battle near Elgin or Inverness. Whether it was an ambush or a pitched battle is debated. Macbeth then ruled for seventeen years — one of Scotland's most stable and prosperous reigns — before being killed by Malcolm Canmore.

Casualties & Losses

Duncan I killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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