Macbeth

king of Scotland. He reigned from 1040-1057. His predecessor was Duncan, the grandson of the famous Malcolm. Macbeth was also a grandson of Malcolm, and, according to the laws of Scottish succession, his claim to the throne was equal to if not better than that of Duncan. Macbeth's ambition led him to contest the throne with Duncan. Holinshed's Chronicles, on which Shakespeare depended for the historical basis of his great tragedy, state that Macbeth slew Duncan at Bothgowan. He is said to have visited Rome seeking pardon for the slaying of his king. The sons of Duncan fled to Northumberland and later gathered their friends and invaded Scotland, defeating Macbeth at the battle of Dunsinane in 1054. Macbeth fell three years later near Aberdeen, and was succeeded by one of Duncan's sons.