BattlefieldsBattle of Strathcarron c.642
Early Medieval

Battle of Strathcarron c.642

642
Stirlingshire, Scotland
Also known as: Strathcarron 642 · Death of Domhnall Brecc
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Stirlingshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Dál Riata (Domhnall Brecc)
Forces
Dál Riata under Domhnall Brecc.
VS
Victor
Strathclyde (Owen map Beli)
Forces
c. 3,000–7,000 per side; Owen's Strathclyde Britons
Outcome
Domhnall Brecc of Dál Riata killed; power of Dál Riata permanently reduced
The Battle

History & Significance

King Domhnall Brecc of Dál Riata — who had pursued a disastrously aggressive foreign policy — was killed at Strathcarron (in the Forth valley) by Owen of Strathclyde. The Gododdin poem references this battle. Domhnall Brecc's death after multiple military defeats was a turning point — Dál Riata never recovered its earlier dominance in the region and its power gradually declined over the following century until the Viking catastrophe of 839.

Casualties & Losses

Domhnall Brecc killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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