Constantine II, the Vikings and St Columba's relics
I can describe how Constantine recaptured the bones of St Columba.
Constantine II, the Vikings and St Columba's relics
I can describe how Constantine recaptured the bones of St Columba.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- After he defeated his father's enemy, Constantine became King of Alba, but he had no time to relax.
- His kingdom was under attack by the Vikings, who had taken control of an important place called Dunkeld.
- The bones of an important Scottish saint, Saint Columba, were held there, and the Vikings had taken them.
- Constantine led his army against the Vikings, driving them out and recapturing Dunkeld and the relics.
Keywords
Relics - relics are items of religious importance from the past, and are often the remains of saints
Monastery - a monastery is a place where monks live and worship
Common misconception
Pupils may think the relics of St Columba were valuable.
The relics of St Columba were an important symbol of the Christian faith throughout the kingdom of Alba.
To help you plan your year 2 history lesson on: Constantine II, the Vikings and St Columba's relics, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 2 history lesson on: Constantine II, the Vikings and St Columba's relics, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 1 history lessons from the Conflict, conquest and empires unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Adult supervision required
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
items of religious importance from the past (often remains of saints)
a place where monks live and worship