IRELAND, King Heremond Ollaamh Fodhla

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• Name	IRELAND, Heremond Ollaamh Fodhla
  Prefix	King
  Birth	Spain
  Gender	Male
  Death	Ireland
  Person ID	I69466	Joseph Smith Sr and Lucy Mack Smith
  Last Modified	19 Aug 2021

  
  

  Father	SPAIN, King Milesius ,   b. 1060 BC/1024 BC, Spain Spain
  Mother	Scota Tephi   d. DECEASED
  Family ID	F32809	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	JUDAH, Queen Tamar Tephi
  Marriage	Abt 580
  Children	5 sons
  1. King Muimhne ,   b. Ireland Ireland   2. King Luighine   3. King Laigheane ,   b. Ireland Ireland + 4. IRELAND, King Irial Faidh   bur. Magh, Donegal, IrelandMagh, Donegal, Ireland   5. Dalap
  Family ID	F33233	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
  Last Modified	24 Jan 2022

  
  

• Notes

  Published by American Historical Society - Colonial and Revolutionary Lineage of America Collection: J. O'HART: "IRISH PEDIGRESS," VOL. I, P. 555. FIRST ANCIENT MONARCHS OF IRELAND SECOND ANCIENT MONARCHS OF IRELAND THIRD ANCIENT MONARCHS OF IRELAND FOURTH ANCIENT MONARCHS OF IRELAND LORDS OF THE ISLES KING OF JERUSALEM (This material may be protected by Copyright law - Title 17, US Code.) ----------------------- The Mack and Sine Families - by Edward P. Mack (Published 1950) "Origin of Mack: The name of Mack is of ancient Scottish origin. It is originally used as a Christian name, being later adopted as a surname by the sons of one so-called. It is found in ancient British and early American records in the records in the various spellings of Mac, Mec, Mick, Mack, and others, of which the last mentioned is that used in America today. Families of this name were to be found at early dates in the Counties of Berwick, Scotland and Norfolk County, England, and at later dates in various parts of Ireland as well. They were of the landed gentry and yeomanry of Great Britain. (John Mack is referred to as a portioner (land owner) of Hinselwood.) According to Rooney's Genealogical History of Irish Families, the Mack family descended from Milesius, King of Spain, (who according to legend invaded Ireland in 1700 BC) through the line of his son Heremon. The founder of the family was Cola Meann, son of Eocha Dubhlein (RIN 822), or Dowlen, brother of Fiacha Straiventine, first King of Connaught of the race of Heremon and son of Carbre Liffeachair (RIN 814) King of Ireland, AD 264 ("Four Masters circa 1698 BC). The possessions of the family were located in the present counties of Mayo and Sligo. ---------------------- Milesian Genealogy - (nine pages) pg 3 Hermon (Hermon) "of the Horses" - He, his brothers and followers arrived in Inis Elga (Ireland) a board 35 ships in the year of the world 3500 or 1699 BC (per the "Four Masters"). Upon conquering Ireland from the Tuatha de Danann, Eermon was proclaimed King of Northern Ireland. After the ensuing battle with his brother (King of the South) over possession of the Hills of Tara, Eermon became the 1st (Milesian) King of Ireland.... "the Land of Destiny" as foretold by Moses. Heremon had 4 sons. ----------------------- Some sources give Heremon's birthyear in abt 620 BC (and died ?1060 or 1260 b.c. (2700 year of the world) - [This is impossible. Needs further study.] This king, Heremon, was a kinsman of Jeremiah and Tamar Tephi and he was a descendant of Joseph's younger son, Ephraim to whom the Stone and God's Covenant had descended. Ephriam's descendant, Gatholus was also a prince and he had married Scota the daughter of Pharoah Rameses II. Zedekiah was the last king of the Jews. Jeremiah took Zedekiah's two daughters (Tamar Tephi, and her sister, Scota) with him. In Spain where Scota married the prince (not king as stated here) of Spain and Jeremiah and his other great granddaughter, Tamar Tephi, went on to Ireland and she married the King of Ireland. Ref: Article on the Coronation Chair - "About 700 B.C. it appears in Ireland, whither it was carried by the Spanish King's son Simon Brech, on his invasion of that island." The Craig Coat of Arms chart at the home of Florence Turley includes this Heremon who married Tamar Tephi. It was found in Dublin Archives by David Turley, her son.. (Continued Zedekiah RIN 748 )- The Stone of Destiny from Lebanon County Historical Society - Eochaidh 2nd, better known as "Ollamh Fodhla," one of Ireland's greatest monarchs, was then on the throne. To him was given in marriage Tephi, the daughter of the Jewish King Zedekiah, and here, remote from the scene of the early life and manhood of Shem and Japheth, were united once more two branches of Noah's many descendants, while the sceptre of King David, which had fallen so low in his own land, was raised again in power and majesty on a distant green island by a princess sprung from his loins, where it has flourished to this day. "Tephi" was her name. She is said to have been very beautiful. While the name so appears in the record, it does not occur in Irish at all, but is Hebrew, and a pet name, like "Violet," denoting the beauty and fragrance of all delicious fruits. "Apples of gold in pictures of silver," as sung by King Solomon. Through her efforts, her husband was led to renounce the worship of Baal and to accept and recognize the God of the Hebrews. To provide for its perpetuity and maintenance he established a "College of Ollams," i.e., a "School of the Prophets." That the nuptials were duly celebrated, the following poem, translated out of Irish, and now more than 1000 years old, fully establishes. Also that the King most faithfully adhered to all that he promised, was affectionately acknowledged on the premature death-bed of this most charming creature, whose like, it appears, never was before seen: "Tephi was her name: she excelled all virgins! "Wretched for him who had to entomb her. "Sixty feet of correct admeasurement "Were marked as a Sepulchre to enshrine her." The stone was placed upon the Hill of Tara, and became the usual coronation seat of the Irish kings. Five hundred and thirty years after Christ, Fergus (son of Muireadach) conveyed the stone to Scotland. In process of time it was built into the wall of Dunstaffnage Castle, whence it was removed by King Kenneth, who, in A.D. 850 (Kenneth Macalpin, King of Scotland RIN 497), deposited it in the church of Scone. On this stone the Scottish kings were crowned. It was looked upon with wonderful veneration by the Scottish people, and was the subject of both prose and poetry. King Kenneth, when enclosing the stone in a wooden box, caused to be engraven on it: "Hi fallat fatum Scoti hune quocunque locatum inveniunt lapidem sequare tenentur ibidem." A free translation reads: "If the fates deceive not, wherever this stone is located the Scots shall monarch of this realm be crowned," and it is noteworthy that these prophecies were fulfilled in the person of James lst of England. (Continued James 1st King of England notes RIN4731) (From James 1st, King of England notes) - The Stone of Destiny from the Lebanon County Historical Society - The Milesian Line It has been said that Eochaid 2nd, or Ollamh Fodhla, the husband of Tephi, was of that great line of Irish monarchs, the Milesian, which, under one hundred and eighty-three kings, ruled over Ireland, as the successors of the Tuatha-de-Danans, for 2885 years, until their submission to King Henry, 2nd, of England, A.D. 1171. Let us recall the fact that Japheth, the son of Noah, was the father of the Scythian people. To him was given the region north of the Danube and Black Sea. It was these people that gave birth to the Irish Nation through Magog, his son. About 300 years after the flood, which occured B.C. 2349, Partholan, the son of Magog, and his followers, came to Ireland and located chiefly in Ulster, in Donegal and in the County Dublin. They had been there but some thirty years when nearly the whole people perished by a plague, thousands of them being buried in a common tomb, in Tallaght, a place near Dublin, the name meaning "Tam Laght," or the "Plague Sepulchre." Then came the Nemedians, also from Scythia, 318 years after the birth of Abraham and B.C. 2153. They continued in Ireland for 217 years, within which time a colony of theirs went into the northern parts of Scotland under the conduct of their leader, Briottan Maol, from whom Britain takes its name, and not from Brutus, as some persons have believed. They were located chiefly in Ulster, at Armagh, and in Derry and Donegal. Now the regular current of events changes, and the Fomorians appear on the scene. The Fomorians ("fogh," Irish, "plundering;" "muir," "the sea)" were a "sept descended from Cham (Ham), son of Noah, who lived by pyracie and spoile of other nations, and were in those days very troublesome to the whole world," so say the "Annals of Clonmacnoise." They are considered to have come from the north of Africa, and to have been some of the Phoenicians whose descendants afterwards they founded the city of Carthage, and, in Spain, the cities of Gahdir, or Gades (Cadiz) and Kartobah (now Cordova). As Sidon, in Phoenicia, was a maritime city in the time of Joshua, and its people were expert navigators; and as the Phoenicians, Sidonians and Tyrians, in those early ages, were celebrated for their commerical intercourse with Greece, Italy, Gaul, Spain and Britain, there is nothing whatever improbable in a colony of them having sailed from Africa to Ireland, whose coming from "Africa" may have led to the belief that they were "descended from Cham (Ham)," as their commercial intercourse with other nations may have led to their being considered "pirates." They are represented as a race of giants, and were celebrated as having been great builders in stone. They had their chief fortress on "Tor Inis," or "The Island of the Tower," now known as "Tory Island," which is off the coast of Donegal; and another at the Giants' Causeway, which in Irish was called, "Cloghan-na-Formoraigh," or the "Causeway of the Fomorians," as it was supposed to have been constructed by this people, who, from their great strength and stature, were, as above mentioned, called "giants;" hence the term "Giants' Causeway." It is a stupendous natural curiosity of volcanic origin, situated on the sea coast of Antrim, and consists of a countless number of basaltic columns of immense height, which, from the regularity of their formation and arrangement, have the appearance of a vast work of art, and, hence, were supposed to have been constructed by giants. Nemedh, King of the Nemedians, improved the soil and cut down twelve woods, but was constantly at war with the Fomorians, or "Pirates," so called. He gained three victories over them, but was utterly defeated in a fourth and desperate battle fought in Leinster, where most of his army was cut to pieces, his son, Art, born in Ireland, was slain, together with Lobhchon, the son of Stairn. The defeat broke the heart of Nemedh,so that he, with two thousand of his people, died at Oileanarda Nemeidh, now the great island in Cork Harbor. After this defeat the Pirates followed up their success, making themselves masters of Ireland, their chief fort being at "Tor Inis,"now "Tory Island," whence they issued to prey on the Nemedians, robbing them of their women, children, and produce of all kinds. Seeing how grievously they were oppressed, the Nemedians determined to make another effort to free themselves. Collecting a great army, they attacked the Fomorians, slew their general, with his children and garrison, but scarcely had the conflict ended when the Fomorian admiral, More, unexpectedly appeared with sixty sail, on his return voyage from Africa, landed at Tory and made for the mainland, where he was opposed by the Nemedians. The two armies fought on the strand, killing each other until the tide at length swept off most of the Nemedians. Of the Fomorians, More, with the better part of his forces, escaped to their ships, landed soon after and took possession of Ireland. After the Fomorians became masters of the country, the Nemedians were reduced to slavery and compelled to pay a great annual tribute, on the first day of winter, consisting of corn, cattle, milk, and other provisions. To escape the grievous oppression which had now become their lot, the Nemedians determined to leave Ireland. Three different bands of them emigrated, with their respective leaders. One section took refuge in England (or Scotland), which obtained its name of "Britain" from their chieftain, as already mentioned. Another made its way into Greece, where they were enslaved and obtained the name of "Firbolgs," or "bagmen," from the leather bags which they were compelled to carry. After years of bondage in Greece, the five sons of Della Mac Loich, then leader of the Firbolgs, or Firvolgains seized on some shipping, and, with five thousand followers, including their wives, quitted Greece and made for Ireland, where they landed 216 years after the death of Nemedh. On their arrival they divided Ireland into four parts: Slainge got the central eastern part, now nearly corresponding to Leinster; Rughraide governed the northern part, now Ulster; Geanann ruled the western part, and Gann the eastern part of Munster. "Slainge (Slane) was he by whom Teamor (or Tara) was first raised." One hundred and fifty monarchs reigned in Tara from that period until its abandonment in the reign of Diarmod, who was the 133rd monarch of Ireland and King of Meath. The Firvolgians ruled over Connaught down to the third century, when King Cormac Mac Art, the 115th monarch of Ireland, attacked and defeated the forces of Aodh or Hugh, son of Garadh, King of Connaught, who was the last King of the Firbolg race in Ireland, the sovereignty of Connaught being then transferred to the Milesians of the race of Heremon. These people were chiefly employed in agricultural pursuits; they were builders of the earliest circular forts, in which but few stones were employed; they finally became the peasantry of various parts of Ireland. They were a small, straight-haired, swarthy race, dark or black hair, talkative, strolling, guileful, unsteady, disturbers of every council and assembly. It is remarkable that their eyes were blue-gray and their eye lashes of a dark color. Although reduced to the ranks of farmers and peasants, they were still very numerous, and, to this day, a great many of the peasantry, particularly in Connaught, are considered to be of Firbolg origin. The remaining party sailed to the north of Europe, where their superior civilization had a great effect on the hospitable natives Settling, probably, in Denmark, they obtained possession of four cities as schools of learning (colleges), in which the natives were taught what ignorant historians termed "diabolical learning." Having lived for some time in this country, they sailed to the north of Scotland, where they remained for seven years and then went to Ireland, landing in Ulster. Here they made a 'Beal fire" of their shipping, as they intended never to return. A thick fog shrouded their arrival and a deep woods covered their march into the interior of the country. They then sent ambassadors to the Firvolg King, Eochaidh, to fight or deliver up to them the government of the island. A desperate battle ensued, for some the Firvolgians were totally defeated, ten thousand of them being slain, together with Eochad, son of King Eiric, who was buried on the seashore, a cairn of large stones being erected over him as a sepulchral monument, which may remain to this day. In this battle the leader of the invaders, Nuadh, had his hand cut off; after a period of seven years the wound was healed, and a silver hand so skillfully fitted to the arm that he was able to use it just as if life and feeling were infused into it. This shows the mechanical skill of these people, long since lost, and which modern science cannot reach. These conquerors were what we know as the Tuatha-de-Danans, and of which the tribe of Dan were a part, if we are to believe the ancient claim to that effect. After a few more battles they became possessed of Ireland, which they ruled until the arrival of the Milesians, who conquered them. The Firvolgians having assisted the Milesians in the conquest, were, in consequence, restored by them to a great part of their former possessions, particularly in Connaught, in which province they were ruled by their own kings down to the third century, when the Monarch, Cormac Mac Art, brought them under subjection and annexed Connaught to his Kingdom. After the decisive battle, in which their king and queen were slain, the chiefs of the Tuatha-de-Danans resolved to retire to their native hills, and to distribute themselves over the plains and hills of Erinn. It is worthy to note that nearly all of these princes, chiefs and princesses are still feared and courted by the peasantry of Ireland. They were a tall race, war-like, energetic and progressive, great physicians, fair-complexioned, open-minded and workers in metals. They built the cemeteries at Howth, New Grange, Louth and Slieve-na-Cailleagh. (Continued in Magog) (Continued from Milieus) - The Stone of Destiny from the Lebanon County Historical Society - We now reach the connecting link with the title of our paper, in the person of Eochaidh, 2nd, better known as "Ollamh Fodhla," in the seventh generation from his ancestor, Ir (Ear), the husband of Tephi the Jewish Princess who brought with her to Tara, the Royal City of Ireland, the sacred "Stone of Destiny." He was one of the greatest and most famous monarchs of Ireland. He began his reign about B.C. 620 (computing the time as given in the Bible) and died at an advanced age in his own "Mur" (or house), in Tara. As his life was so largely identified with that famous city, I have thought it might be of value and interest to give some account of its history. Tara, the Royal City and scene of so much of the history of ancient Ireland, was located twenty-one miles northwest of the City of Dublin, County of Meath. The Hill of Tara is large, verdant, level at the top, and extremely beautiful; though not very high, it commands extensive and most magnificent prospects over the great and fertile plains of Meath. Tara had various names in ancient times. It was first founded as a royal residence by Slainge, one of the Firvolgian Kings, and was afterwards called "Liath Druim," or "The Hill of Liath;" the Tuatha-de-Danan Kings next resided there, when, by them, it was called "Cathan Crofin," or "The Fortress of Crofin," after one of the Danan queens; by the Milesian Kings it got the name "Teamur," or "Tweamhair," anglicized "Teamor" and "Tara," and latinized "Teamora" or "Teamoria." At Tara the ancient records and chronicles of the Kingdom were carefully preserved; these records and chronicles formed the basis of the ancient history of Ireland, called the "Psalter of Tara," which was brought to complete accuracy in the reign of the monarch Cormac Mac Art, in the third century; and, from the Psalter of Tara, and other records was compiled, in the ninth century, by Cormac Mac Cuelenan, Archbishop of Cashel and King of Munster, the celebrated work called the "Psalter of Cashel." At Tara was the building called "Mur Ollamhan," or "The House of the Learned," in which resided the bards, brehons, and other learned men; there was likewise the "Rath-na-Seanadh," which signifies either the "Fort of the Conventions," or of the "Synods," and said to be so-called from great gatherings held there at different times by St. Patrick, St. Adamnan, St. Brendan and St. Ruadhan; there was also the "Rath-na-Riogh," or "The Fortress of the Kings;" Drumha-na-m Giall," or "The Mound of the Hostages," where there was a fort in which the hostages were kept; and "Dumha-na-m Ranamus," signifying the "Mound of the Warlike Women," which was probably either a habitation or a burial place of those ancient heroines; there was likewise a habitation called "Cluan Feart," or "The Sacred Retreat," which was the residence of the Vestal Virgins, or Druidessess. In addition, there were habitations at Tara for the warriors, Druids, brehons and bards, also for the provincial kings, princes and chiefs who attended to the great national conventions, wherefore the place was considered as a city in those times. There are many remains of the mounds, raths and other antiquities still remaining at Tara, but many of these mounds and ramparts have been leveled in the course of ages. According to the ancient historians, many of the kings, queens and warriors of the early ages were buried at Tara, and several sepulchral mounds were there raised to their memory. In one of the earthen ornaments called "torques," a sort of golden collar of spiral or twisted workmanship, and worn on the necks of ancient kings and chiefs of Gaul was found. It was called "torc" in the Celtic language. One of the torques discovered at Tara was five feet seven inches in length and something more than twenty-seven ounces in weight. They form some of the most interesting remains of ancient Irish art. In the third century King Cormac Mac Art built his celebrated palace at Tara. It was called "Teach Miodhchuarta," signifying either "The House of Banquets" or "The House of Conventions," also called "Teach-no-Laech," or "The House of Heroes." It was the place in which were held the great "Feis Teamhrach," or "The Conventions of Tara." In its halls the monarchs gave their great banquets and entertained the provincial kings, princes and chiefs. It is stated that the length of the structure was three hundred feet, the breadth fifty cubits, or about eighty feet, and the height thirty cubits or nearly fifty feet. It contained numerous apartments besides the royal bedchamber, and had on it fourteen doors. It is stated that there were seven other great habitations adjoining the palace. Amongst other splendid articles it is mentioned that he had, at the royal banquets, one hundred and fifty massive goblets of pure gold. The palace is considered to have been built chiefly of wood, from the oak forests so abundant in ancient times in Ireland. It was probably in part formed of stone work, making a fortress of Cyclopean architecture, composed of great stones without cement. Though a few of these stones now remain, they may have been removed during the course of ages and placed in other buildings, particularly as the Hill of Tara was easily accessible. While it is true this royal residence could not be compared with the elegant stone buildings of more modern times, yet it was distinguished for all the rude magnificence peculiar to those early ages. The great conventions or legislative assemblies of Tara were instituted by the celebrated Ollamh Fodhla (pronounced "Ollav Fola"), meaning "The Sage of Ireland," from "Ollamh," a sage, or learned man, and "Fodhla," one of the ancient names of Ireland. He was the monarch King Eochaidh, 2nd, alleged husband of the Princess Tephi (as shown here). Celebrated in ancient history as a sage and legislator, he became eminent for learning, wisdom and excellent institutions. His historic fame has been recognized by placing his medallion in "basso relievo," with those of Moses and other great legislators, on the interior of the dome in the Four Courts of Dublin. Ollamh Fodhla found the government a monarchy in which the people submitted to the chief ruler (or Ard Righ) as their acknowledged head, but they were practically rendered independent of his authority, except during war, by the intervention of popular councils and the influence of provincial princes. There was no intermediate power, no opportunity of mutual appeal, and, consequently, no medium between the forcible assertion of claims on the one hand and resistance on the other. For the purpose of remedying this defect, he instituted a senatorial assembly, resembling modern parliaments. In pagan times it was composed of the Druids, bards, provincial kings, chiefs, princes and peoples, and, after the introduction of Christianity, of provincial kings, bishops, bards, brehons, abbots, higher clergy, chiefs, princes and people. This parliament was vested with both legislative and judicial functions on all affairs relating to the general interests of the state, and to such private concerns as minor tribunals could not settle. It met triennially, about the festival of All Saints (Samhuin), at Tara, the royal residence, where palaces were erected for the accommodation of the royal Kings and others whose duties demanded their attendance on these occasions. Some educated members of the Masonic craft are of the opinion that at the "Feis-Teamhrach," Ollamh Fodhla first established regular Masonic meetings in Ireland, and that "Masonry" itself was first introduced into Ireland by Heremon and Heber, the first Milesian monarchs of the country. "In this assembly," says Keating, "the ancient records and chronicles of the kingdom were perused and examined, and if any falsehoods were detected, they were instantly erased, so that posterity might not be imposed upon by false history; and the author who had the insolence to abuse the world by his relation, either by perverting matters of fact and representing them in improper colours, or by fancies and inventions of his own, was solemnly degraded from the honour of sitting in that assembly and was dismissed with a mark of infamy upon him. His works likewise were destroyed, as unworthy of credit, and were not to be admitted into the national archives, or received among the records of the kingdom. Nor was this expulsion the whole of his punishment, for he was liable to a fine or imprisonment, or whatever sentence the justice of the Parliament thought proper to inflict. By these methods, either out of scandal or disgrace, or of losing their estates, their pensions and endowments, and of suffering some corporal correction, the historians of those ages were induced to be very exact in their relations, and to transmit nothing to posterity but what had passed this solemn test and examination, and had been recommended by the sanction and authority of that learned assembly." When the historical records had been thus thoroughly examined and revised they were inserted in the "Psalter of Tara." In the book of "Nachongbhail" we read: "Judging of the Psalter of Tara by the fragments which have come down to us, we may safely affirm that a nation which could produce such a work must have attained to no ordinary pitch of civilization and literary culture." As may be anticipated, the services rendered by the "Feis Teambrach," and the influence it exercised were of the highest importance. Many excellent laws were passed by it during the reign of Ollamh Fodhla, among the rest one making violation of female chastity punishable by death, without power of reprieve or pardon, which is valuable as proving the honorable feeling of delicacy and gallantry which even then existed in Ireland. To strike, or do any violence, or commit any robbery on a member of Parliament while attending his duties at the "Feis" was likewise punishable by death without mercy. The militia of the Kingdom (Feine, or Fenians) was placed under the control of the Parliament, and thus the nation was secured from the dangerous power which an army always places within the grasp of ambitious or despotic rulers. Such an institution and form of government, which the experience of the most civilized times in Europe has not excelled, are sufficient to secure their founder the reverential respect of all nations and every age. But it is not on these alone that the fame of this monarch rests. He devoted himself to the moral and intellectual improvement of his people with equal assiduity. He was the founder of those great seminaries where not only Irishmen but foreigners received gratuitus instruction in all the arts, sciences and accomplishments then known in Europe, and which subsequently contributed principally to redeem Europe from the barbarism which succeeded the downfall of the Roman Empire. These institutions were sustained munificently by the state, and the members of the different learned professions were not only liberally endowed with property, but they were exempted from the personal services and pecuniary aid which were exacted from all other subjects during war and other public exigencies. It was thus in the reign of Ollamh Fodhla that those privileges were first conceded to the "Fileas" (philosophers) and bards, including the musicians and genealogists, or heralds, which were afterwards so much abused as to create very dangerous disturbances, on account of the arrogance and rapacity of those classes, but which, in the earlier ages, enabled them to devote themselves entirely to the pursuit of their studies, by which many of them rose to the highest fame, and elevated the character of their country with their own. Perhaps the greatest error in this system was the exclusion of all, save those of noble descent, from the right to practice the learned professions, and the limitations of it to those who could claim by hereditary descent. But this unwise injustice was remedied in some degree by the free participation in the benefits of instruction permitted to all ranks of people, and the strict care taken that none should be admitted to the dignity, as it was then regarded, of teaching the public, who were not properly qualified; so that even the eldest son was set aside, if unfit for the office, and some other selected. The principal subjects of instruction were meta-physics (under which head some very ingenious and curious doctrines of mind were taught), mathematics (in which it is undeniable that the ancient Irish were great proficients) History, Poetry, Genealogy, and the Arts of Government and War. It was Ollamh Fodhla who, by armorial bearings, originated the plan of distinguishing the different families of nobility and chief officers of State, and established it in Ireland though it was never generally adopted throughout Europe until the time of the Crusades, when, it is erroneously supposed by modern historians that the custom commenced. It is said he received the idea from the device of the dead serpent and rod of Moses, which the standard of his own family bore from the period of their sojourn in Egypt, and which always stimulated their followers to deeds of heroism. He believed that an honorable spirit of emulation would be created by these badges of distinction, and such was naturally the result. This monarch was not only a patron of literature in his dominions, but was himself an author having written a history of his ancestors, and their adventures, down to his own times. His reign lasted forty years, and was of perfect tranquility. He died a natural death, and was quietly succeeded by his son. It is remarkable how much men are misled by names of authority. For instance, the ancient law-givers of Greece have been extolled for centuries as the greatest sages of the world, and every portion of their labors minutely investigated and explained, through the accident of their language and philosophy having been studied by the Romans, who led the mind of Europe so long before and after the Christian era, while such characters as that of Ollamh Fodhla have been neglected and despised through the same caprice of custom. Those who are best acquainted with them, contend that the Irish annals are far more perfect and trustworthy than those of the Greeks, and yet they are utterly unheeded. If we were to compare the labors of Ollamh Fodhla with those of Lycurgus and of Solon, it would not be difficult to prove their great superiority in all that is truly estimable. His system of government was as remarkable for its enlarged, liberal and gentle adaptation to the wants and interest of the people, and its encouragement and cultivation of their highest qualities, as that of the others was for an arbitrary, limited and harsh policy which aimed at repressing the most amiable attributes of man's nature, and only fostered its sterner and least estimable feelings. His was fitted for all mankind, theirs but for a small community. Owing to the internal dissensions of the State, the operation of his system was interrupted for some time after his death, but was revived in precisely the same form, and continues unchanged in its chief points for many centuries, thus excelling that of Greece in permanency. Tara became deserted as a royal residence in the sixth century, and some earthen ramparts and mounds are all that now remain of its ancient magnificence. The circumstance which caused its abandonment by the Kings was as follows: Dermot, monarch of Ireland, having taken prisoner and punished a brother, or relative, of St. Ruadhan, or Rodanus, who was abbot of Lothra, now Loira, in the county of Tipperary, St. Rodanus "laid a curse on Tara," and, after the death of the monarch Diarmot, A.D. 565, no other king resided there. Many years, indeed centuries, have passed by since the events narrated in this paper occurred, and many have been its experiences, not a few of them sad. Surely there are none but wish success and prosperity to it and its people under their new form of government, in the hope that some part of its former greatness may return to Ireland. H.M.M. Richards Note:--Acknowledgments of the author are due John O'Hart, of Dublin, the learned author of "Irish Pedigrees," for material in this paper, which has been culled from his great work. END ------------------------------------------------------ Irish Pedigrees or the Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation By John O'Hart The descent of the Irish Celts from Adam 1. Adam 2. Seth 3. Enos 4. Cainan 5. Mahalaleel 6. Jared 7. Enoch 8. Methuselah 9. Lamech 10. Noah divided the world amongst his three sons, begotten of his wife Titea: viz., to Shem he gave Asia, within the Euphrates, to the Indian Ocean; to Ham he gave Syria, Arabia, and Africa; and to Japhet, the rest of Asia beyond the Euphrates, together with Europe to Gadea (or Cadiz). 11. Japhet was the eldest son of Noah. He had fifteen sons, amongst whom he divided Europe and the part of Asia which his father had allotted to him. 12. Magog: From whom descended the Parthians, Bactrians, Amazons, etc.; Parthalon, the first planter of Ireland, about three hundred years after the Flood; and also the rest of the colonies that planted there, viz., the Nemedians, who planted Ireland, Anno Mundi three thousand and forty-six, or three hundred and eighteen years after the birth of Abraham, and two thousand one hundred and fifty-three years before Christ. The Nemedians continued in Ireland for two hundred and seventeen years; within which time a colony of theirs went into the northern parts of Scotland, under the conduct of their leader Briottan Maol, from whom Britain takes its name, and not from "Brutus," as some persons believed. From Magog were also descended the Belgarian, Belgian, Firbolgian or Firvolgian colony that succeeded the Nemedians, Anno Mundi, three thousand two hundred and sixty-six, and who first erected Ireland into a Monarchy. [According to some writers, the Fomorians invaded Ireland next after the Nemedians.] This Belgarian of Firvolgian colony continued in Ireland for thirty-six years, under nine of their Kings; when they were supplanted by the Tuatha-de-Danann (which means, according to some authorities, "the people of the god Dan," whom they adored), who possessed Ireland for one hundred and ninety-seven years, during the reigns of nine of their kings; and who were then conquered by the Gaelic, Milesian, or Scotic Nation (the three names by which the Irish people were known), Anno Mundi three thousand five hundred. This Milesian or Scotic Irish Nation possessed and enjoyed the Kingdom of Ireland for two thousand eight hundred and eighty-five years, under one hundred and eighty-three Monarchs; until their submission to King Henry the Second of England, Anno Domini one thousand one hundred and eighty-six. 13. Boath, one of the sons of Magog; to whom Scythia came as his lot, upon the division of the Earth by Noah amongst his sons, and by Japhet of his part thereof amongst his sons. 14. Phoeniusa Farsaidh (or Fenius Farsa) was King of Scythia, at the time when Ninus ruled the Assyrian Empire; and, being a wise man and desirous to learn the languages that not long before confounded the builders of the Tower of Babel, employed able and learned men to go among the dispersed multitude to learn their several languages; who sometime after returning well skilled in what they went for, Phœniusa Farsaidh erected a school in the valley of Senaar, near the city of Æothena, in the forty-second year of the reign of Ninus; whereupon, having continued there with his younger son Niul for twenty years, he returned home to his kingdom, which, at his death, he left to the oldest son Nenuall; leaving to Niul no other patrimony than his learning and the benefit of the said school. 15. Niul, after his father returned to Scythia, continued some time at œothena, teaching the languages and other laudable sciences, until upon report of his great learning he was invited into Egypt by Pharaoh, the King; who gave him the land of Campus Cyrunt, near the Red Sea to inhabit, and his daughter Scota in marriage; from whom their posterity are ever since called Scots; but, according to some annalists, the name "Scots" is derived from the word Scythia. It was this Niul that employed Gaodhal [Gael], son of Ethor, a learned and skilful man, to compose or rather refine and adorn the language, called Bearla Tobbai, which was common to all Niul's posterity, and afterwards called Gaodhilg (or Gaelic), from the said Gaodhal who composed or refined it; and for his sake also Niul called his own eldest son "Gaodhal." 16. Gaodhal (or Gathelus), the son of Niul, and ancestor of Clan-na-Gael, that is, "the children or descendants of Gaodhal". In his youth this Gaodhal was stung in the neck by a serpent, and was immediately brought to Moses, who, laying his rod upon the wounded place, instantly cured him; whence followed the word "Glas" to be added to his named, as Gaodhal Glas (glas: Irish, green; Lat. glaucus; Gr. glaukos), on account of the green scar which the word signifies, and which, during his life, remained on his neck after the wound was healed. And Gaodhal obtained a further blessing, namely-that no venomous beast can live any time where his posterity should inhabit; which is verified in Creta or Candia, Gothia or Getulia, Ireland, etc. The Irish chroniclers affirm that from this time Gaodhal and his posterity did paint the figures of Beasts, Birds, etc., on their banners and shields, to distinguish their tribes and septs, in imitation of the Israelites; and that a "Thunderbolt" was the cognisance in their chief standard for many generations after this Gaodhal. 17. Asruth, after his father's death, continued in Egypt and governed his colony in peace during his life. 18. Sruth, soon after his father's death, was set upon by the Egyptians, on account of their former animosities towards their predecessors for having taken part with the Israelites against them; which animosities until then lay raked up in the embers, and now broke out in a flame to that degree, that after many battles and conflicts wherein most of his colony lost their live, Sruth was forced with the few remaining to depart the country; and, after many traverses at sea, arrived at the Island of Creta (now called Candia), where he paid his last tribute to nature. 19. Heber Scut (scut: Irish, a Scot), after his father's death and a year's stay in Creta, departed thence, leaving some of his people to inhabit the Island, where some of their posterity likely still remain; "because the Island breeds no venomous serpent ever since." He and his people soon after arrived in Scythia; where his cousins, the posterity of Nenuall (eldest son of Fenius Farsa, above mentioned), refusing to allot a place of habitation form him and his colony, they fought many battles wherein Heber (with the assistance of some of the natives who were ill-affected towards their king), being always victor, he at length forced the sovereignty from the other, and settled himself and his colony in Scythia, who continued there for four generations. (Hence the epithet Scut, "a Scot" or "a Scythian," was applied to this Heber, who was accordingly called Heber Scot.) Heber Scot was afterwards slain in battle by Noemus the former king's son. 20. Baouman; 21 Ogaman; and 22. Tait, were each kings of Scythia, but in constant war with the natives; so that after Tait's death his son, 23. Agnon and his followers betook themselves to sea, wandering and coasting upon the Caspian Sean for several (some say seven) years in which time he died. 24. Lamhfionn and his fleet remained at sea for some time, after his father's death, resting and refreshing themselves upon such islands as they met with. It was then the Cachear, their magician or Druid, foretold that there would be no end of their peregrinations and travel until they should arrive at the Western Island of Europe, now called Ireland, which was the place destined for their future and lasting abode and settlement; and that not they but their posterity after three hundred years should arrive there. After many traverses of fortune at sea, this little fleet with their leader arrived at last and landed at Gothia or Geulia-more recently called Lybia, where Carthage was afterwards built; and, soon after, Lamhfionn died there. 25. Heber Glunfionn was born in Gothia, where he died. His posterity continued there to the eighth generation; and were kings or chief rulers there for one hundred and fifty years-some say three hundred years. 26 Agnan Fionn; 27. Febric Glas; 28. Nenuall; 29. Nuadhad; 30. Alladh; 31. Arcadh; and 32. Deag: of these nothing remarkable is mentioned, but that they lived and died kings in Gothia or Getulia. 33. Brath was born in Gothia. Remembering the Druid's prediction, and his people having considerably multiplied during their abode in Geulia, he departed thence with a numerous fleet to seek out the country destined for their final settlement, by the prophecy of Cachear, the Druid above mentioned; and, after some time, he landed upon the coast of Spain, and by strong hand settled himself and his colony in Galicia, in the north of that country. 34. Breoghan (or Brigus) was king of Galicia, Andalusia, Murcia, Castile, and Portugal-all of which he conquered. He built Breoghan's Tower or Brigantia in Galicia, and the city of Brigantia or Braganza in Portugal-called after him; and the kingdom of Castile was then also called after him Brigia. It is considered that "Castile" itself was so called from the figure of a castle which Brigus bore for his Arms on his banner. Brigus sent a colony into Britain, who settled in that territory now known as the counties of York, Lancaster, Durham, Westmoreland, and Cumberland, and, after him were called Brigantes; whose posterity gave formidable opposition to the Romans, at the time of the Roman invasion of Britain. 35. Bilé; was king of those countries after his father's death; and his son Galamh [galav] or Milesius succeeded him. This Bilé had a brother named Ithe . 36. Milesius, in his youth and in his father's life-time, went into Scythia, where he was kindly received by the king of that country, who gave him his daughter in marriage, and appointed him General of his forces. In this capacity Milesius defeated the king's enemies, gained much fame, and the love of all the king's subjects. His growing greatness and popularity excited against him the jealousy of the king; who, fearing the worst, resolved on privately dispatching Milesius our of the way, for, openly, he dare not attempt it. Admonished of the king's intentions in his regard, Milesius slew him; and thereupon quitted Scythia and retired into Egypt with a fleet of sixty sail. Pharaoh Nectonibus, then king of Egypt, being informed of his arrival and of his great valour, wisdom, and conduct in arms, made him General of all his forces against the king of Ethiopia then invading his country. Here, as in Scythia, Milesius was victorious; he forced the enemy to submit to the conqueror's own terms of peace. By these exploits Milesius found great favour with Pharaoh, who gave him, being then a widower, his daughter Scota in marriage; and kept him eight years afterwards in Egypt. During the sojourn of Milesius in Egypt, he employed the most ingenious and able persons among his people to be instructed in the several trades, arts, and sciences used in Egypt; in order to have them taught to the rest of his people on his return to Spain. [The original name of Milesius of Spain was "Galamh" (gall: Irish, a stranger; amh, a negative affix), which means, no stranger: meaning that he was no stranger in Egypt, where he was called "Milethea Spaine," which was afterwards contracted to "Miló Spaine" (meaning the Spanish Hero), and finally to "Milesiius" (mileadh: Irish, a hero; Lat. miles, a soldier).] At length Milesius took leave of his father-in-law, and steered towards Spain; where he arrived to the great joy and comfort of his people; who were much harassed by the rebellion of the natives and by the intrusion of other foreign nations that forced in after his father's death, and during his own long absence from Spain. With these and those he often met; and, in fifty-four battles, victoriously fought, he routed, destroyed, and totally extirpated them out of the country, which he settled in peace and quietness. In his reign a great dearth and famine occurred in Spain, of twenty-six years' continuance, occasioned, as well by reason of the former troubles which hindered the people from cultivating, and manuring the ground, as for want of rain to moisten the earth - but Milesius superstitiously believed the famine to have fallen upon him and his people as a judgment and punishment from their gods, for their negligence in seeking out the country destined for their final abode, so long before foretold by Cachear their Druid or magician, as already mentioned - the time limited by the prophecy for the accomplishment thereof being now nearly, if not fully, expired. To expiate his fault and to comply with the will of his gods, Milesius, with the general approbation of his people, sent his uncle Ithe, with his son Lughaidh [Luy], and one hundred and fifty stout men to bring them an account of those western islands; who, accordingly, arriving at the island since then called Ireland, and landing in that part of it now called Munster, left his son with fifty of his men to guard the ship, and with the rest travelled about the island. Informed, among other things, that the three sons of Cearmad, called Mac-Cuill, MacCeacht, and MacGreine, did then and for thirty years before rule and govern the island, each for one year, in his turn; and that the country was called after the names of their three queens - Eire, Fodhla, and Banbha, respectively: one year called "Eire," the next "Fodhla," and the next "Banbha," as their husbands reigned in their regular turns; by which names the island is ever since indifferently called, but most commonly "Eire," because that MacCuill, the husband of Eire, ruled and governed the country in his turn the year that the Clan-na-Milé (or the sons of Milesius) arrived in and conquered Ireland. And being further informed that the three brothers were then at their palace at Aileach Neid, in the north part of the country, engaged in the settlement of some disputes concerning their family jewels, Ithe directed his course thither; sending orders to his son to sail about with his ship and the rest of his men, and meet him there. When Ithe arrived where the (Danann) brothers were, be was honourably received and entertained by them; and, finding him to be a mail of great wisdom. and knowledge, they referred their disputes to him for decision. That decision having met their entire satisfaction, Ithe exhorted them to mutual love, peace, and forbearance; adding much in praise of their delightful, pleasant, and fruitful country; and then took his leave, to return to his ship, and go back to Spain. No sooner was he gone than the brothers; began to reflect on the high commendations which Ithe gave of the Island; and, suspecting his design of bringing others to invade it, resolved to prevent them, and therefore pursued him with a strong party, overtook him, fought and routed his men and wounded himself to death (before his son or the rest of his men left on ship-board could come to his rescue) at a place called, from that fight and his name, Magh Ithe or "The plain of Ithe" (an extensive plain in the barony of Raphoe, county Donegal); whence his son, having found him in that condition, brought his dead and mangled body back into Spain, and there exposed it to public view, thereby to excite his friends and relations to avenge his murder. [Note: that all the invaders and planters of Ireland, namely, Parthalonians, Neimhedh, the Firbolgs, Tuatha-de-Danann, and Clan-na-Milé, where originally Scythians, of the line of Japbet, who had the language called Bearla-Tobbai or Gaoidhilg [Gaelic] common amongst them all; and consequently not to be wondered at, that Ithe and the Tuatha-de-Danann understood one another without an Interpreter - both speaking the same language, though perhaps with some difference in the accent]. The exposing of the dead body of Ithe had the desired effect; for, thereupon, Milesius made great preparations in order to invade Ireland - as well to avenge his uncle's death, as also in obedience to the will of his gods, signified by the prophecy of Cachear, aforesaid. But, before he could effect that object, he died, leaving the care, and charge of that expedition upon his eight legitimate sons by his two wives before mentioned. Milesius was a very valiant champion, a great warrior, and fortunate and prosperous in all his undertakings: witness his name of "Milesius," given him from the many battles (some say a thousand, which the word "Milé" signifies in Irish as well as in Latin) which he victoriously fought and won, as well in Spain, as in all the other countries and kingdoms be traversed in his younger days. The eight brothers were neither forgetful nor negligent in the execution of their father's command; but, soon after his death, with a numerous fleet well manned and equipped, set forth from Breoghan's Tower or Brigantia (now Corunna) in Galicia, in Spain, and sailed prosperously to the coasts of Ireland or lnis-Fail, where they met many difficulties and various chances before they could land: occasioned by the diabolical arts, sorceries, and enchantments used by the Tuatha-de-Danann, to obstruct their landing; for, by their magic art, they enchanted the island so as to appear to the Milesians or Clan-na-Milé in the form of a Hog, and no way to come at it (whence the island, among the many other names it had before, was called "Muc-Inis or "The Hog Island"); and withal raised so great a storm, that the Milesian fleet was thereby totally dispersed and many of them cast away, wherein five of the eight brothers, sons of Milesius, lost their lives. That part of the fleet commanded by Heber, Heremon, and Amergin (the three surviving, brothers), and Heber Donn, son of Ir (one of the brothers lost in the storm), overcame all opposition, landed safe, fought and routed the three Tuatha-de Danann Kings at Slieve-Mis, and thence pursued and overtook them at Tailten, where another bloody battle was fought; wherein the three (Tuatha-de-Danann) Kings and their Queens were slain, and their army utterly routed and destroyed: so that they could never after give any opposition to the Clan-na-Milé in their new conquest; who, having thus sufficiently avenged the death of their great uncle Ithe, gained the possession of the country foretold them by Cachear, some ages past, as already mentioned. Heber and Heremon, the chief leading men remaining of the eight brothers, sons of Milesius aforesaid, divided the kingdom between them (allotting a proportion of land to their brother Amergin, who was their Arch-priest, Druid, or magician; and to their nephew Heber Donn, and to the rest of their chief commanders), and became jointly the first of one hundred and eighty-three Kings or sole Monarchs of the Gaelic, Milesian, or Scottish Race, that ruled and governed Ireland, successively, for two thousand eight hundred and eighty-five years from the first year of their reign), Anno Mundi three thousand five hundred, to their submission to the Crown of England in the person of King Henry the Second; who, being also of the Milesian Race by Maude, his mother, was lineally descended from Fergus Mór MacEarca, first King of Scotland, who was descended from the said Heremon - so that the succession may be truly said to continue in the Milesian Blood from before Christ one thousand six hundred and ninety-nine years down to the present time. Heber and Heremon reigned jointly one year only, when, upon a difference between their ambitious wives, they quarrelled and fought a battle at Ardeath or Geshill (Geashill, near Tullamore in the King's County), where Heber was slain by Heremon; and, soon after, Amergin, who claimed an equal share in the government, was, in another battle fought between them, likewise slain by Heremon. Thus, Heremon became sole Monarch, and made a new division of the land amongst his comrades and friends, viz.: the south part, now called Munster, he gave to his brother Heber's four sons, Er, Orba, Feron, and Fergna; the north part, now Ulster, he gave to Ir's only son Heber Donn; the east part or Coigeadh, Galian, now called Leinster, be gave to Criomthann-sciath-bheil, one of his commanders; and the west part, now called Connaught, Heremon gave to Un-Mac-Oigge, another of his commanders; allotting a part of Munster to Lughaidh (the son of Ithe, the first Milesian discoverer of Ireland), amongst his brother Heber's sons. From these three brothers, Heber, Ir, and Heremon (Amergin dying without issue), are descended all the Milesian Irish of Ireland and Scotland, viz.: from Heber, the eldest brother, the provincial Kings of Munster (of whom thirty-eight were sole Monarchs of Ireland), and most of the nobility and gentry of Munster, and many noble families in Scotland, are descended. From Ir, the second brother, all the provincial Kings of Ulster (of whom twenty-six were sole Monarchs of Ireland), and all the ancient nobility and gentry of Ulster, and many noble families in Leinster, Munster, and Connaught, derive their pedigrees; and, in Scotland, the Clan-na-Rory - the descendants of an eminent man, named Ruadhri or Roderick, who was Monarch of Ireland for seventy years (viz., from Before Christ 288 to 218). From Heremon, the youngest of the three brothers, were descended one hundred and fourteen sole Monarchs of Ireland: the provincial Kings and Hermonian nobility and gentry of Leinster, Connaught, Meath, Orgiall, Tirowen, Tirconnell, and Clan-na-boy; the Kings of Dalriada; all the Kings of Scotland from Fergus Mór MacEarea, down to the Stuarts; and the Kings and Queens of England from Henry the Second down to tile present time. The issue of Ithe is not accounted among the Milesian Irish or Clan-na-Milé, as not being descended from Milesius, but from his uncle Ithe; of whose posterity there were also some Monarchs of Ireland (see Roll of the Irish Monarchs, infra), and many provincial or half provincial Kings of Munster: that country upon its first division being allocated to the sons of Heber and to Lughaidh, son of Ithe, whose posterity continued there accordingly. This invasion, conquest, or plantation of Ireland by the Milesian or Scottish Nation took place in the Year of the World three thousand Ova hundred, or the next year after Solomon began the foundation of the Temple of Jerusalem, and one thousand six hundred and ninety-nine years before the Nativity of our Saviour Jesus Christ; which, according to the Irish computation of Time, occurred Anno Mundi five thousand one hundred and ninety-nine: therein agreeing with the Septuagint, Roman Martyrologies, Eusebius, Orosius, and other ancient authors; which computation the ancient Irish chroniclers exactly observed in their Books of the Reigns of the Monarchs of Ireland, and other Antiquities of that Kingdom ; out of which the Roll of the Monarchs of Ireland, from the beginning of the Milesian Monarchy to their submission to King Henry the Second of England, a Prince of their own Blood, is exactly collected. [As the Milesian invasion of Ireland took place the next year after the laying of the foundation of the Temple of Jerusalem by Solomon, King of Israel, we may infer that Solomon was contemporary with Milesius of Spain; and that the Pharaoh King of Egypt, who (1 Kings iii. 1,) gave his daughter in marriage to Solomon, was the Pharaoh who conferred on Milesius of Spain the hand of another daughter Scota.] Milesius of Spain bore three Lions in his shield and standard, for the following reasons; namely, that, in his travels in his younger days into foreign countries, passing through Africa, he, by his cunning and valour, killed in one morning three Lions; and that, in memory of so noble and valiant an exploit, he always after bore three Lions on his shield, which his two surviving sons Heber and Heremon, and his grandson Heber Donn, son of Ir, after their conquest of Ireland, divided amongst them, as well as they did the country: each of them. bearing a Lion in his shield and banner, but of different colours; which the Chiefs of their posterity continue to this day: some with additions and differences; others plain and entire as they had it from their ancestors. The Celts of Ireland descend from three sons of Milesius, (37-1 Heremon , 37-2 Heber and 37-3 Ir ) and from his uncle (35-1 Ithe ) True Irish history begins with the introduction of Christianity and Latin literacy, beginning in the 5th century or slightly before. When compared to neighbouring Insular societies, early Christian Ireland is extremely well documented, but these sources are not easy to interpret. Many questions remain unanswered and the study of early Christian Ireland continues to produce new theories and new discoveries. Since the later 19th century, when scholars such as Kuno Meyer and Whitley Stokes applied an increasingly rigorous approach to the study of written sources, a great deal of new information has been extracted from the written material. New fields, such as paleobotany , have contributed to the debate, while the volume of archaeological evidence has increased. Ecclesiastical history The first reliable historical event in Irish history, recorded in the Chronicle of Prosper of Aquitaine , is the ordination by Pope Celestine I of Palladius as the first bishop to Irish Christians in 431. Prosper says in his Contra Collatorem that by this act Celestine "made the barbarian island Christian", although it is clear the Christianisation of the island was a longer and more gradual process. The mission of Saint Patrick is traditionally dated around the same time - the earliest date for his arrival in Ireland in the Irish annals is 432 - although Patrick's own writings contain nothing securely dateable.[1] It is likely that Palladius' activities were in the south of Ireland, perhaps associated with Cashel , while Patrick's were later, in the north, and associated with Armagh . By the early 6th century the church had developed separate dioceses, with bishops as the most senior ecclesiastical figures, but the country was still predominantly pagan. The monastic movement, headed by abbots, took hold in the mid 6th century, and by 700 Ireland was at least nominally a Christian country, with the church fully part of Irish society. The status of ecclesiastics was regulated by secular law, and many leading ecclesiastics came from aristocratic Irish families. Monasteries in the 8th century even went to war with each other.[2] From the 7th century on, Irish churchmen such as Columbanus and Columba were active in Gaul, in Scotland and in Anglo-Saxon England. The mixing of Irish, Pictish and Anglo-Saxon styles created the Insular style of art, represented by the Lindisfarne Gospels and the Book of Kells. Ireland's reputation for scholarship was such that many scholars travelled from Britain and the European mainland to study in Irish schools. The Irish people (Irish : Muintir na hÉireann, na hÉireannaigh, na Gaeil) are a Western European ethnic group who originate in Ireland , in north western Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years (according to archaeological studies), with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded[7] as the Nemedians , Fomorians , Fir Bolgs , Tuatha Dé Danann and the Milesians (in legend - there is no written historical record before the 6th century)-the last group supposedly representing the "pure" Gaelic ancestry, and still serving as a term for the Irish race today. The main groups that interacted with the Irish in the Middle Ages include the Scottish people and the Vikings , with the Icelanders especially having some Irish descent. The Anglo-Norman invasion of the High Middle Ages, the English plantations and the subsequent English rule of the country introduced the Normans , Welsh , Flemish , Anglo-Saxons , and Bretons into Ireland. Milesians are a people figuring in Irish mythology . The descendants of Míl Espáine , they were the final inhabitants of Ireland , and were believed to represent the Goidelic (or Gaelic ) Celts . Myth The Lebor Gabála (Book of Invasions - probably first written in the second half of the 11th century AD) describes the origin of the Gaelic people. They descended from Goídel Glas , a Scythian who was present at the fall of the Tower of Babel , and Scota , a daughter of a pharaoh of Egypt. Two branches of their descendants left Egypt and Scythia at the time of the Exodus of Moses , and after a period of wandering the shores of the Mediterranean arrived in the Iberian Peninsula , where they settled after several battles. One of them, Breogán , built a tower at a place called Brigantia (probably in the coast of Galicia , near A Coruña (Corunna), which was then "Brigantia" and where a Celtic tribe called "Brigantes" is attested in ancient times - see Tower of Hercules ) from the top of which he, or his son Íth, first saw Ireland.[1] [2] Íth made the first expedition to Ireland, but was killed by the three kings of Ireland, Mac Cuill , Mac Cecht , and Mac Gréine of the Tuatha Dé Danann . In revenge the eight sons of Íth's brother Míl Espáine (the "Soldier of Hispania ", whose given name was Golam), led an invasion force to defeat the Tuatha Dé and conquer Ireland. The sons of Míl landed in County Kerry and fought their way to Tara . On the way, the wives of the three kings, Ériu , Banba and Fodla requested that the island be named after them: Ériu is the earlier form of the modern name Éire , and Banba and Fodla were often used as poetic names for Ireland, much as Albion is for Britain . At Tara the sons of Míl met the three kings, and it was decreed that the invaders return to their ships and sail a distance of nine waves from Ireland, and if they were able to land again, Ireland would be theirs. They set sail, but the Tuatha Dé used magic to brew up a storm, in which five of the sons were drowned, leaving only Eber Finn , Eremon and Amergin the poet, to land and take the island. Amergin divided the kingship between Éremon , who ruled the northern half, and Éber Finn , the southern.[3] Legacy In the historical scheme proposed by T. F. O'Rahilly the descent of the kings of Ireland from the sons of Míl is a fiction intended to provide legitimacy for the Goidels, who invaded Ireland in the 1st or 2nd century BC, giving them the same ancient origin as the indigenous peoples they dominated. However, it has been argued[4] that the story is a much later invention of medieval Irish historians, inspired by their knowledge of the Seven Books of History Against the Pagans, written by the early 5th century Gallaecian cleric, Paulus Orosius . See also Early history of Ireland . For centuries, the myth of the Míl Éspaine and the Milesians was used in Ireland to win and secure dynastic and political legitimacy. For example, in his Two bokes of the histories of Ireland (1571), Edmund Campion tried to use the myth to establish an ancient right of the British monarch to rule Ireland. In A View of the Present State of Ireland, Edmund Spenser accepted and rejected various parts of the myth both to denigrate the Irish of his day and to justify English colonisation of Ireland in the 1590s (at the height of the Anglo-Spanish war ).[5] Probably the last major outing for the myth was during the Contention of the bards , which appears to have rumbled on from 1616 to 1624. During this period poets from the north and south of the island extolled the merits of their respective peoples (Eremonians and Eberians), at the expense of the other side, and often descended to a pettiness that some contemporaries thought foolish. Finally, Geoffrey Keating 's Foras Feasa ar Eirinn (written c.1634) used the myth to promote the legitimacy of the Stuart claim to royal authority in Ireland (related to the origin of the Lia Fáil ), demonstrating that Charles I was descended, through Brian Ború, Éber and Galamh, from Noah and, ultimately, from Adam.[6] The lion-rampant motif seen in the Royal Standard of Scotland was used by other clans claiming a Milesian ancestry. There is a legend that Queen Scota 's grave is in the Slieve Mish mountains just outside Tralee in County Kerry. The legend tells that Scota was the daughter of a pharaoh and was to marry the Irish king, but she fell from her horse and died. A large rock marks the spot where she fell. Footnote