The Real MacBeth Timeline

Birth of MacBeth

Jan 1, 1005

MacBeth has no confirmed birthdate though sometime around 1005 is generally accepted. What is known is that his maternal grandfather was Malcolm I, King of Scotland. He was also related by blood to Malcolm II and Duncan I. In the play where is shown as having no legitimate claim to the throne. However, most historians beleive that he had a more or equally legitimate claim to the Scottish throne. Image is of King James.
http://ehistory.osu.edu/world/peopleview.cfm?pid=392

Tannistry

Jan 1, 1006

Tannistry was the system of succession in Scotland during MacBeth's life time. This was choosing a king from a small pool of contenders, the one chosen being the one most likely to defend the territory. Thus succession was not heriditary or willed out, but based on merit, mostly military. This stand in stark contrast to later systems of succession where divine right of one family would be invoked to create a royal family.
http://articles.latimes.com/1986-08-10/books/bk-2057_1_scottish-king

Family

Jan 1, 1007

MacBeth came from a long line of high ranking nobles and royals. His maternal grandfather was Malcolm I, former High King of Scotland. His father Finlay was Moramer of Moray. He also married Gruoch, who was the granddaughter of Kenneth III, giving her a claim to the Scottish throne. Image is of Kenneth III.
http://ehistory.osu.edu/world/peopleview.cfm?pid=392

Shakespeare and Historical Fact

Jan 1, 1010

MacBeth is not the only monarch to have his historical legacy be overshadowed by one of Shakespeare's works of fiction. Richard III of England had also been victim to this, and no matter what historians say, the fictional actions of both men have turned into almost historical fact. With picture of Richard III of England.
http://www.scotlandmag.com/magazine/issue32/12007815.html

Political turmoil in MacBeth's time

Jan 1, 1010

Political competition, even within families was fierce. Malcolm II killed several relatives on his way to the top, including, possibly, MacBeth's father. On the national level being named King was almost a death sentence for a time, as every King from Duncan I to Duncan II had died an unnatural death, either assasination or death in battle. Also MacBeth's reign of 17 years was tied for third longest on the list.
http://articles.latimes.com/1986-08-10/books/bk-2057_1_scottish-king
http://gwydir.d

Finlay killed

Jan 1, 1020

MacBeth's father Finlay is murdered by his cousins. The reason for this is unknown, though he may have been too friendly with a rival family.
http://ehistory.osu.edu/world/peopleview.cfm?pid=392

Malcolm II Dies

Nov 25, 1034

At the age of 80, King Malcolm dies of natural causes.
http://ehistory.osu.edu/world/peopleview.cfm?pid=392

Duncan is named King

Dec 25, 1034

At the age of 33, Duncan is name High King. The next six years will be hard for Scotland, as Duncan's ambition and lack of military skill lead to problems for the Scottish military.
http://ehistory.osu.edu/world/peopleview.cfm?pid=392

Duncan fights Thorfinn

Apr 16, 1038

Thorfinn of Northumbria attacks Scotland, but is defeated. Duncan counter attacks, but in a proof of his lack of military skill decides to invade the Orkney islands, thus opening up two fronts, a major strategic blunder.
http://ehistory.osu.edu/world/peopleview.cfm?pid=392

Beginning of MacBeth's reign

Aug 14, 1040

MacBeth defeats King Duncan at Elgin. He either killed Duncan in battle or shortly there after, making him the new King of Scotland. This contrasts greatly to Shakespeare's play, where he murders Duncan while the latter is sleeping. However he had allied himself with his Duncan's enemy Thorfinn, thpugh this was more likely to end the rule of an incompetent king than for personal gain.
http://ehistory.osu.edu/world/peopleview.cfm?pid=392

Reign of MacBeth

Jan 1, 1041

The early reign of MacBeth was a rather peaceful one, particularly by the standards of the time ( See political situation) In fact the there were nine years without any major incidents, allowing him to go on a pilgrimage to Rome. Furthermore he was known as a fair and just ruler who was a major supporter of the church in Scotland and well as a follower of Celtic tradition.
http://ehistory.osu.edu/world/peopleview.cfm?pid=392

Domestic rebellion

Jan 1, 1045

In 1045, the only major domestic disturbance of MacBeth's reign when the Moramer of Atholl and Abott of Dunkeld rallied the some southern clans and met MacBeth near Dunkheld. The rebellion was short lived and ill fated, however as the rebels were quickly defeated and the Moramer killed during the battle.
http://ehistory.osu.edu/world/peopleview.cfm?pid=392

MacBeth give refuge to Normans

Jan 1, 1052

Norman refugees were given safe haven in Scotland by MacBeth, who followed the Celtic custom of giving travellers haven. This drew the ire of English lords, a situation Malcolm used to his advantage to get English support for his cause.
http://ehistory.osu.edu/world/peopleview.cfm?pid=392

MacBeth holds at Scone

Jul 27, 1054

Malcolm III and his forces have their invasion of Scotland halted at the battle of Scone. Though the Scotsmen took twice as many casualties as the invaders, Malcolm and Siward both retreated and MacBeth added Siward's Cumbria to his kingdom.

MacBeth is killed

Aug 14, 1057

MacBeth defeated and killed by forces under Malcolm III at Perthshire. MacBeth's son Lulach took power. Lulach would die a few months later and Malcolm becomes King of Scotland. In the play, Malcolm becomes king immediately thereafter and MacBeth is childless. Included is a pictue of Aberdeenshire, Scotland near where MacBeth was defeated.
http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/history/scot2.htm