Tethba’s Cattle Mortality
Archived: 1 November 2026
Abstract
In 700, Irish annals recorded a cattle mortality beginning on 1 February at Mag Trega in Tethba, an event of major significance in a rural economy dependent on livestock for food, labour, wealth and tribute. Sources differ slightly in chronology and detail, but associate the outbreak with Ireland-wide loss and memories of famine and pestilence. Chronicon Scotorum also reports exceptional frost, without proving a causal link. Political instability continued: Fiannamail of Dál Riata was killed and Aurthuile of Cenél nÉogain expelled to Britain. Ecclesiastical institutions remained influential, while later narratives framed crisis through Christian ideas of protection, providence and judgement.
