Scottish Picts

The Picts were an ancient people who lived in what is now Scotland during the early medieval period, from around the 3rd to the 9th century AD. They were known for their distinctive artistic style, which included intricate designs on stone and metal objects, and for their skill in warfare.

The name "Pict" comes from the Latin word "picti," which means "painted people." The Picts were so named by the Romans, who encountered them during their conquest of Britain. The Picts are believed to have originated in the north of Scotland and were likely related to the other Celtic peoples of the British Isles.

The Picts were a complex society with a sophisticated social structure and complex religious beliefs. They were divided into several different tribes or kingdoms, each ruled by a king or queen. The Picts practiced a form of paganism and believed in a complex pantheon of gods and goddesses.

The Picts are perhaps best known for their art, particularly their intricate designs on stones and metal objects. These designs often featured symbols such as animals, spirals, and geometric patterns, and are still studied and admired today for their beauty and complexity.

The Picts were eventually conquered by the Scots, led by Kenneth MacAlpin, in the 9th century AD. The two peoples merged to form the Kingdom of Alba, which eventually became the Kingdom of Scotland. Today, the Picts are remembered as an important part of Scottish history and culture.