BattlefieldsSiege of Dumbarton
Early Medieval

Siege of Dumbarton

870
Scotland
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Kingdom of Strathclyde
VS
Victor
Kingdom of Dublin
Outcome
Dublin victory
The Battle

History & Significance

The siege of Dumbarton was a successful four-month siege of the Brittonic fortress at Dumbarton Rock in 870, initiated by the Viking leaders Amlaíb, King of Dublin, and Ímar. Dumbarton was capital of the Kingdom of Alt Clut, the only surviving Brittonic kingdom outside of Wales. It represented a valuable target for the Viking invaders, who were likely motivated by strategic considerations, as well as loot. The attackers may have wished to remove Alt Clut as a maritime power, and the location and defensiveness of Dumbarton itself was of major value.

Suspected site. The exact location is uncertain.
Casualties & Losses

not recorded

Forces Involved

not recorded

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources