Battlefields›Battle of Inverdovat
Early Medieval

Battle of Inverdovat

877
Fife, Scotland
Also known as: Death of Constantine I at Inverdovat
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Fife, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Picts (Constantine I)
Forces
Pictish forces c. 2,000–3,500 under Constantine I.
VS
Victor
Vikings (Danish Great Army)
Forces
Danish Great Army c. 3,000–5,000
Outcome
Constantine I killed; Pictish kingdom severely weakened
The Battle

History & Significance

Two years after the devastating defeat at Dollar, Constantine I — son of Kenneth MacAlpin — was killed by Danish Vikings at Inverdovat in Fife. The annals record he was killed in a cave by the Norse. His death left the young Kingdom of Alba desperately vulnerable. Two successive kings killed within two years showed how precarious the early Scottish kingdom was in the face of Viking assault.

Casualties & Losses

Constantine I killed; heavy Scottish losses

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Battle of Inverdovat

Cupar, St Christopher's Church (remains of)
Scheduled monument · Medieval · ~2 miles
Kilmany Grange, enclosure 150m SW of
Scheduled monument · Post-Medieval · ~2.1 miles
Lordscairnie Castle,4800m NW of Cupar
Scheduled monument · ~2.2 miles
Kemback School,church 155m WNW of
Scheduled monument · Medieval · ~2.8 miles
Carslogie House, house and walls
Scheduled monument · ~3 miles
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Battle of Aylesford
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Jutish Revolt — Battle at Aegelesthrep (Aylesford approach)
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Anglian Assault on Roman York (c.450-500 AD)
450
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