Origins of the Picts: From Albania to Scotland
The Origins of the Picts: From Albania to Scotland
The origins of the Picts are a fascinating subject in British history, and recent archaeological and linguistic research have brought new insights to the table. Traditional beliefs often considered the Picts as mysterious and suddenly appearing in Scotland. However, recent evidence suggests that their roots lie in ancient Albania and that they were part of a broader Celtic tradition along the North European coast.
The Albania Connection
Early tales and archaeological evidence reveal that the Picts originated from modern-day Albania. According to one version, seven exiles from Albania came to Scotland and took wives from Ireland before establishing themselves in different regions. This is why there are seven Pictish kingdoms, and the island of Britain was once known as ‘Albion’—a name derived from the Albanians. To this day, Scotland is still called ‘Alban’ in Scottish Gaelic and Welsh.
Dr. Gordon Noble, an archaeologist and professor at Aberdeen University, further supports this connection. He notes that the name ‘Pict’ comes from the Albanian word ‘Shqiptar’ meaning ‘people of the eagle.’ Additionally, the Picts were matrilineal, which likely contributed to their cultural and linguistic development, while Albanian eventually died out in their region.
Genetic and Linguistic Evidence
Newer linguistic and genetic studies suggest that the Picts were part of a broader group of Brythonic Celts. Previously, it was thought that these Celts originated in what is now France. However, recent research points to a migration along the North European coast. This theory is also supported by genetic studies that indicate the Picts shared similar genetic markers with other populations along this route.
The Presence of the Picts in Scotland
It's important to note that the Picts were already in Scotland long before their first mention. After the last Ice Age, Scotland was slowly inhabited by hunter-gatherers who followed food animals and moved with the seasons. These people likely walked to Scotland from what is now Continental Europe, which was still connected by a land bridge.
Over time, these early inhabitants began to settle in different places and eventually learned to farm. By the Bronze Age and Iron Age, an established tribal population with links to other tribes and trade routes across the sea had emerged. This is when the so-called Celtic cultures and languages began to form.
Later, Greek, Phoenician, and Roman traders and adventurers came across these tribes, controlling specific areas. They made maps showing where these people were and noted some of these names, such as the Votadini, the Caledonii, and the Maeatae. The Romans referred to these tribes as the Pictae, or 'painted people,' a name that likely referred to body art and cultural practices.
In conclusion, the origins of the Picts are more complex and intertwined with both history and geography than previously thought. Their story is a tapestry of migration, culture, and adaptation stretching from ancient Albania to the island of Scotland, weaving a rich narrative of human history.