Discover the remarkable life of Brian Boru...
Ireland is a country steeped in history, myth, and legend. During ancient times a long line of kings reined over this fairytale land, and one of those kings was a man named Brian Boru. Ruling the Emerald Isle from 1002 to 1014, Brian’s tenure is indeed so immersed in mythology that it is sometimes hard to glean the fact from the fiction. But Brian Boru himself was not the product of a fanciful tale—he did indeed exist in the flesh. His body is buried at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh where countless admirers of his life still come to visit.
In 2014, as a testament to his enduring character, at the 1000th anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf and Brian Boru’s ultimate demise, thousands made their way to the site of the former fray to pay homage. This book seeks to flesh out every detail of his character and his experiences as they transpired.
Discover a plethora of topics such as
- Ireland in the Viking Age
- Early Life in Kincora
- Rise to Power
- The High King of Ireland
- The Battle of Clontarf
- Death and Burial
- And much more!
So if you want a concise and informative book on Brian Boru, simply scroll up and click the "Available at amazon" button to avail this bargain!
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Timeline
941
Born in Kincora, Ireland
Brian Boru was born in 941 in the Irish town of Kincora in the vicinity of Tuadmumu (what is now known as County Clare).
951
Brian’s brother Mathgamain ascended the throne
Brian’s father, local king Cennetig mac Lorcain, died, leaving the throne to Brian’s older brother Mathgamain.
964
Mathgamain seized the Rock of Cashel
Mathgamain conquered the entire province of Munster in 964 after his army had rushed in and seized the Rock of Cashel—the capital of old for the Eoganachta Dynasty, the former high kings of Munster.
976
Brian succeeded Mathgamain on the throne
In 976, Mathgamain was captured and killed. It was from this rubble and ruined realm of his brother that Brian Boru would come to stake his own authority over southwestern Ireland.
978
Victory at the Battle of Belach Lechta
In 978, Brian defeated his rival Máel Muad at the Battle of Belach Lechta. This fateful victory opened the door for Brian to become the undisputed leader of the region.
979
Consolidated his rule
In an effort to consolidate his reign and avoid future uprisings, Brian Boru married off his daughter Sadhbh to Máel Muad’s son, Cian. Boru had several wives during his lifetime; among them were Mór, Echrad, and Gormflaith.
982
Conflicts with high king Mael Sechnaill
As Brian Boru’s reach began to extend further into Meath and Leinster, skirmishes broke out between his men and those of another high king by the name of Mael Sechnaill mac Domnaill.
997
Truce with Mael Sechnaill
After years of conflict, Brian Boru and Mael Sechnaill finally reached a compromise in which Brian was given control over Leinster while Mael Sechnaill retained control over Meath, Connacht, and Ulster.
999
Uprising by Leinster and Viking-controlled Dublin
In 999, Brian faced a massive revolt from the troublesome province of Leinster as the Norse-occupied city of Dublin joined forces with the Leinstermen. At the Battle of Glenmama, Brian Boru allied with Mael Sechnaill in order to defeat Mael Mordha, the king of Leinster, and his nephew, Dublin’s Norse King Sigtrygg Silkbeard.
1002
Brian Boru became the sole high king of Ireland
By 1002, Brian Boru had reportedly grown so powerful that Mael Sechnaill peacefully surrendered his throne without incident, allowing Boru to become the sole high king of Ireland.
1014
Death at the Battle of Clontarf
On Good Friday, April 23, 1014, Brian Boru faced off against a group of Norse fighters under Sigurd the Stout’s command and Leinstermen led by Mael Mordha just outside of Dublin in what became known as the Battle of Clontarf. Although the Irish forces came out victorious, Brian himself, now in his 70s, was killed. After having succeeded in uniting Ireland under a sole high king for the very first time, Brian Boru left his kingdom to his son, Donnchad.