Archaeological Excavations Reveal the True Story Behind the ‘Game of Thrones’ Red Wedding
Unveiling the Lost Settlements of the Glencoe Massacre
In the remote Highlands of Scotland, archaeologists are embarking on a groundbreaking excavation of settlements linked to the infamous Glencoe Massacre. This brutal attack in 1692, which inspired the “Red Wedding” massacre in George R.R. Martin’s “Game of Thrones” saga, is being brought to life through the discovery of lost structures and artifacts.
A History Steeped in Tragedy
The Glencoe Massacre was a pivotal event in Scottish history, shattering the Highland tradition of hospitality. In February 1692, members of the Campbell clan turned against their MacDonald hosts, killing at least 38 men and forcing women and children into the unforgiving wilderness.
The massacre was meticulously planned, with King William and Queen Mary ordering the Campbells to “put all to the sword under seventy.” The decree, issued by the king himself, aimed to eradicate the “miscreants” and ensure the safety of the country.
Excavating the Past
Centuries later, the exact locations of the settlements associated with the Glencoe Massacre had been largely forgotten. However, thanks to a map created by General William Roy in the mid-18th century, researchers now have a better understanding of where these lost villages once stood.
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS), a conservation organization, is spearheading the excavation efforts. Three of the identified settlement sites, Inverigan, Achnacon, and Achtriochtan, are located on lands owned by NTS.
Achtriochtan: A Window into the Past
Archaeologists are currently focusing their efforts on Achtriochtan, a small village that was home to around 40-50 people at the time of the attack. Despite the passage of time, excavation work has revealed the outlines of three houses, several barns, and a grain-drying kiln, providing valuable insights into the daily lives of the villagers.
Intriguingly, some of the team’s discoveries suggest that members of the decimated MacDonald clan returned to their hometown after the massacre. However, they were eventually forced out by the introduction of sheep farming in the 19th century.
The Red Wedding Connection
The Glencoe Massacre bears striking similarities to the infamous “Red Wedding” in “Game of Thrones.” In both cases, a brutal betrayal and mass murder occur during a gathering that was ostensibly arranged to cement an alliance.
However, the real-life Glencoe Massacre was far more complex, rooted in centuries of clan rivalries and political tensions. The discovery of the lost settlements and artifacts is shedding new light on this tragic event and its enduring legacy.
Exploring the Black Dinner
Glencoe is not the only Scottish site linked to a bloody wedding massacre. The “Black Dinner” of 1440 saw the Earl of Douglas and his brother invited to a feast allegedly hosted by King James II. In reality, the dinner was a trap orchestrated by the king’s advisors, who feared the growing influence of the “Black Douglas” clan. The Douglas brothers were beheaded on trumped-up charges of treason, leaving a dark stain on Scottish history.
Unraveling the Threads of History
The archaeological excavations at Glencoe and other related sites are not merely about uncovering the physical remnants of the past. They are also about unraveling the threads of history, shedding light on the motivations, conflicts, and human experiences that shaped Scotland’s turbulent past.
The findings from these excavations will inform a full-scale replica dwelling at NTS’ Glencoe visitor center, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the life and times of those who lived in the lost settlements of the Glencoe Massacre.