History of Edinburgh

Summary

Explore the rich history of Edinburgh, from its early Celtic roots as 'Dun Eden' to its rise as a royal and intellectual hub. This fascinating journey covers its transformation through Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Viking, and medieval periods, highlighting key events such as the Reformation and the Enlightenment. With the establishment of the University of Edinburgh and its role in political and cultural life, the city remains a testament to Scotland's heritage. Edinburgh’s expansion, its role in shaping Scottish identity, and its cultural resilience continue to define it as a vibrant metropolis today.

Takeaways

• 😀 Edinburgh was originally known as Dun Eden, with 'Dun' meaning 'fort' and 'Eden' referring to the area or the castle.
• 😀 The city’s early history includes Celtic settlements dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages, particularly at Castle Rock and Arthur's Seat.
• 😀 The Romans encountered Celtic tribes in the area, but after their withdrawal, Edinburgh fell under the control of the Goden tribe in the 7th century.
• 😀 In the 7th century, the town was called Dun Eden, and it became an important stronghold for the Goden tribe before falling to Northumbria in 638 CE.
• 😀 The Anglo-Saxon influence led to the replacement of 'Dun' with the suffix 'burh,' transforming the name to Edinburgh.
• 😀 Edinburgh became part of Scotland’s realm after being acquired by the King of Scotland in the 10th century, specifically in 973 CE.
• 😀 In the 12th century, King David I established Edinburgh as a Royal Burgh, marking the city as a major political and commercial center.
• 😀 During the 14th and 16th centuries, Edinburgh became Scotland’s most important city, with its population and wealth surpassing that of other Scottish cities.
• 😀 The city played a crucial role during the Reformation and the War of the Three Kingdoms in the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly under King James VI.
• 😀 In the 18th century, Edinburgh saw significant overcrowding but also became the intellectual heart of Scotland during the Enlightenment, with the University of Edinburgh drawing scholars worldwide.
• 😀 Edinburgh's population growth and political importance slowed during the 19th century, but the city remained central to Scottish culture, especially after the loss of its parliament to London in 1707.
• 😀 Despite industrialization bypassing Edinburgh, it retained its cultural and political significance, symbolized by landmarks like the Scottish National War Memorial.

Q & A

What was Edinburgh originally called before it became known as Edinburgh?

Before becoming Edinburgh, the city was known as *Den Eden* or *Dun Eden*, with 'Dun' meaning 'fort' in Celtic, and 'Eden' referring to the surrounding area or the castle.

How did the name 'Edinburgh' evolve over time?

The name 'Edinburgh' evolved when the Anglo-Saxons removed the Celtic prefix 'Dun' and added the suffix '-burgh', meaning 'fort'. The city retained this name after the Saxons established control over the area.

What role did the Romans play in the history of Edinburgh?

The Romans encountered the Celtic Bonic tribes in the area and established a fort at *Crix*, connecting it by road to York. They pushed the Celtic tribes further north, leaving their influence on the region.

Who were the Goden, and what impact did they have on Edinburgh?

The Goden were a Celtic tribe that controlled Edinburgh in the 7th century. They built a fort called *Dun Eden*, which became the precursor to the city's name. However, after being defeated by King Oswalt of Northumbria in 638 CE, the region came under Northumbrian control.

What happened to Edinburgh during the Viking Age?

During the Viking Age, Edinburgh came under the control of the Kingdom of Scotland in the 10th century. The region became important in the kingdom's defense, particularly after the Vikings weakened the influence of Northumbria.

How did Edinburgh's political significance change in the 12th century?

In the 12th century, King David I recognized the importance of Edinburgh, establishing it as one of Scotland’s first Royal Burghs. This was a key moment in the city's development as a center of trade and political power.

What was the impact of the Scottish Reformation on Edinburgh?

Edinburgh played a vital role during the Scottish Reformation in the 16th century, serving as a center for the political and religious upheavals of the time. Queen Mary of Scots spent much of her time there, and the city was a focal point for the War of the Three Kingdoms in the 17th century.

How did the Enlightenment affect Edinburgh in the 18th century?

The 18th century marked Edinburgh’s Enlightenment period, where it became known as the 'Athens of the North'. The University of Edinburgh played a major role in advancing knowledge, with influential scholars in fields like medicine, literature, and philosophy shaping the city's intellectual reputation.

What changes did Edinburgh undergo during the Industrial Revolution?

Edinburgh was less industrialized compared to other cities like Glasgow, but it underwent significant urban changes in the 19th century, including overcrowding, the expansion beyond medieval walls, and the development of new infrastructure to accommodate growing populations.

How did Edinburgh fare during the two World Wars?

Edinburgh was largely spared from major bombings during both World Wars, but it still commemorates its war dead through the Scottish National War Memorial. The city was particularly affected by the loss of one in three adult Scottish men during World War I.