King Macbeth

Fact or Fiction: You Decide

There were two Macbeths

One was a fiction created by the playwright William Shakespeare. This was no work of history but a drama intended to delight a royal client.

The other was a real man, a Mormaer of the Province of Moray in frontier lands opposing the Viking north of Scotland. In the year 1040 he realised a dynastic ambition and became king of Alba. The 11th century was a turbulent, decisive time in the development of the kingdoms of medieval Europe and King Macbeth ruled Alba for seventeen years.

Both Macbeths are fascinating. Use our twin timelines – one for the fictional Macbeth and the other for the real Macbeth – and follow their stories. Decide for yourself which you prefer – the man or the myth.