Year 2 - History
The rise of Alba under Constantine II
Conflict, conquest and empires
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
Stories about significant rulers from the past give students an understanding of key ideas related to early rulers, such as struggles for power and religious influence. They learn about specific rulers from different times and places, helping students build a chronological framework.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe how Constantine II strengthened the kingdom of Alba.
Key Notes
- With the Vikings defeated, Constantine now set about strenghtening his kingdom of Alba.
- He changed the Church to make it more like the one he had experienced in Ireland.
- He created a system of mormaers, local leaders who could help him rule over his lands.
- Eventually he came into conflict with a powerful king from England and they fought a big battle.
- Although Constantine lost, it stopped the king from England from taking control of parts of Scotland.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Church: the Church is the name given to a group of Christian people who share the same beliefs about their religion
- mormaer: a mormaer was a Scottish leader and landowner who helped the king to rule
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may think that Athelstan controlled Scotland because he defeated Constantine.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
With the Vikings defeated, Constantine now set about strenghtening his kingdom of Alba. He changed the Church to make it more like the one he had experienced in Ireland.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'Church'
the Church is the name given to a group of Christian people who share the same beliefs about their religion.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Pupils may think that Athelstan controlled Scotland because he defeated Constantine. Correction: Although Constantine lost, Athelstan only remained king of England. He became overlord of Scotland but failed to unite England and Scotland under one kingship.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Boudica and Prasutagus Study Guide
- Boudica meets her end Study Guide
- Boudica the warrior Study Guide
- Constantine II, the Vikings and St Columba's relics Study Guide
- Constantine II's early life and exile in Ireland Study Guide
- John and the 'Lionheart' Study Guide
- King John and his barons Study Guide
- King John and Magna Carta Study Guide
- Suleiman and the Ottoman 'Golden Age' Study Guide
- Suleiman the general Study Guide
- Suleiman the Lawgiver Study Guide
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