The sea kings : the late norse kingdoms of man and the isles c. 1066-1275 / R. Andrew McDonald.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

McDonald, R. Andrew, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

History.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (386 pages) : illustrations

Place of Publication:

John Donald 2020

Summary:

The archipelagic kingdoms of Man and the Isles that flourished from the last quarter of the eleventh century down to the middle of the thirteenth century represent two forgotten kingdoms of the medieval British Isles. They were ruled by powerful individuals, with unquestionably regnal status, who interacted in a variety of ways with rulers of surrounding lands and who left their footprint on a wide range of written documents and upon the very landscapes and seascapes of the islands they ruled. Yet British history has tended to overlook these Late Norse maritime empires, which thrived for two centuries on the Atlantic frontiers of Britain. This book represents the first ever overview of both Manx and Hebridean dynasties that dominated Man and the Isles from the late eleventh to the mid-thirteenth centuries. Coverage is broad and is not restricted to politics and warfare. An introductory chapter examines the maritime context of the kingdoms in light of recent work in the field of maritime history, while subsequent chronological and narrative chapters trace the history of the kingdoms from their origins through their maturity to their demise in the thirteenth century. Separate chapters examine the economy and society, church and religion, power and architecture.

Contents:

Title List of Illustrations List of Abbreviations for Works Frequently Cited Note on Personal Names Maps and Genealogies Introduction:Forgotten Kingdoms? The Sea Kings and Their Age 1 Islands, Coasts and Peoples:Man and the Isles in the Early Historic Period 2 In Search of the Sea Kings: The Sources for the History of the Late Norse Kingdoms of Man and the Isles 3 'Islands Scattered about in the Sea':The World of the Sea Kings 4 Warlords and Peaceable Men:Making the Kingdom, 1066-1153 5 Unmaking and Remaking the Kingdom:Somerled and His Descendants, 1153-c. 1225 6 'The Deeds of the Brothers Rognvald and Olaf':Apex and Adversity, 1153-1237 7 'The Ill Luck of the South-Islanders': The Last Sea Kings, 1230-1266 8 A Fruitful Place? Economic Activity in the Kingdoms of Man and the Isles 9 Men of the Speckled Ships: Ships, Sea Power and Fighting Men 10 Kingship in Man and the Isles: Tradition and Innovation 11 'Devout and Enthusiastic in Matters of Religion': The Sea Kings and the Church Epilogue: Swansongs, 1275-1305 Exploring the World of the Sea Kings Plates

Notes:

Includes index.

Includes bibliographical references.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9781788851480

178885148X