Main article: Glorious Revolution in Scotland James VII of Scotland (and II of England), who fled the throne in 1688. The Roman invasion of Britain began in earnest in AD43, leading to the establishment of the Roman province of Britannia in the south. By the year 71, the Roman governor Quintus Petillius Cerialis had launched an invasion of what is now Scotland. [33] In the year 78, Gnaeus Julius Agricola arrived in Britain to take up his appointment as the new governor and began a series of major incursions. He is said to have pushed his armies to the estuary of the "River Taus" (usually assumed to be the River Tay) and established forts there, including a legionary fortress at Inchtuthil. After his victory over the northern tribes at Mons Graupius in 84, a series of forts and towers were established along the Gask Ridge, which marked the boundary between the Lowland and Highland zones, probably forming the first Roman limes or frontier in Scotland. Agricola's successors were unable or unwilling to further subdue the far north. [34] By the year 87, the occupation was limited to the Southern Uplands [35] and by the end of the first century the northern limit of Roman expansion was a line drawn between the Tyne and Solway Firth. [36] The Romans eventually withdrew to a line in what is now northern England, building the fortification known as Hadrian's Wall from coast to coast. [37] The death of King Alexander III in 1286, and the death of his granddaughter and heir Margaret, Maid of Norway in 1290, left 14 rivals for succession. To prevent civil war the Scottish magnates asked Edward I of England to arbitrate, for which he extracted legal recognition that the realm of Scotland was held as a feudal dependency to the throne of England before choosing John Balliol, the man with the strongest claim, who became king in 1292. [72] Robert Bruce, 5th Lord of Annandale, the next strongest claimant, accepted this outcome with reluctance. Over the next few years Edward I used the concessions he had gained to systematically undermine both the authority of King John and the independence of Scotland. [73] In 1295, John, on the urgings of his chief councillors, entered into an alliance with France, known as the Auld Alliance. [74] Edward I of England, 'Hammer of the Scots', depicted on a late-15thC woodcut. Main article: Scottish Reformation In 1559, John Knox returned from ministering in Geneva to lead the Calvinist reformation in Scotland. This classic novel to read before visiting Scotland follows 17-year-old David Balfour after a series of misfortunes. First, his parents die, and he ends up traveling to stay with his paranoid uncle, Ebenezer. Then, Ebenezer sells David into slavery to keep the family estate to himself.

Kate Williams explains the basis of the rivalry between Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I of England and discovers why they embarked upon a collision course that would end with Mary’s execution at the hands of the English queen. Embark on a literary odyssey through the captivating tapestry of Scotland with me as your guide! Whether you’re gearing up for a real-life Scottish escapade or indulging in Highland daydreams, I’ve curated the quintessential list to satiate your literary wanderlust.Main article: House of Stuart Highlands in 1482 Heraldic depiction of the King of Scots from a 15th-century French armorial

Main article: History of Christianity in Scotland Thomas Chalmers statue in George Street, Edinburgh

This is one of the best Scottish history books if you truly want to learn more about the country. It is a controversial event that has affected both Britain and Europe. Its origins are covered in mystery, so no one knows how it actually came up. Scotland has an ancient history. The land has been steeped in varied events throughout its history. No matter what part of Scotland you are interested in, you will always find castles, remains, monuments and battlefields. Some events in particular have helped shaping its current history. Here are some of the best Scottish history books to understand more about this land. The Makers of Scotland, by Tim Clarkson Aristotle or Pseudo-Aristotle (1955). "On the Cosmos, 393b12". On Sophistical Refutations. On Coming-to-be and Passing Away. On the Cosmos. Translated by Forster, E. S.; Furley, D. J. Harvard University Press. pp.360–361. at the Open Library Project. DjVu

In World War II, despite extensive bombing by the Luftwaffe, Scottish industry came out of the depression slump by a dramatic expansion of its industrial activity, absorbing unemployed men and many women as well. The shipyards were the centre of more activity, but many smaller industries produced the machinery needed by the British bombers, tanks and warships. [291] Agriculture prospered, as did all sectors except for coal mining, which was operating mines near exhaustion. Real wages, adjusted for inflation, rose 25 per cent, and unemployment temporarily vanished. Increased income, and the more equal distribution of food, obtained through a tight rationing system, dramatically improved the health and nutrition; the average height of 13-year-olds in Glasgow increased by 2 inches (51mm). [297] End of mass emigration [ edit ] See also: Home front during World War II §Britain Royal Scots with captured Japanese flag, Burma, January 1945Limited toleration and the influence of exiled Scots and Protestants in other countries, led to the expansion of Protestantism, with a group of lairds declaring themselves Lords of the Congregation in 1557 and representing their interests politically. The collapse of the French alliance and English intervention in 1560 meant that a relatively small, but highly influential, group of Protestants were in a position to impose reform on the Scottish church. A confession of faith, rejecting papal jurisdiction and the mass, was adopted by Parliament in 1560, while the young Mary, Queen of Scots, was still in France. [105] Incredibly exciting' rare pre-Ice Age handaxe discovered on Orkney". STV News. Archived from the original on 11 November 2016 . Retrieved 11 November 2016. Scotland advanced markedly in educational terms during the 15th century with the founding of the University of St Andrews in 1413, the University of Glasgow in 1450 and the University of Aberdeen in 1495, and with the passing of the Education Act 1496, which decreed that all sons of barons and freeholders of substance should attend grammar schools. [91] James IV's reign is often considered to have seen a flowering of Scottish culture under the influence of the European Renaissance. [92] View from the royal apartments of the Stewart monarchs, Edinburgh Castle. Main article: History of Christianity in Scotland Ebenezer Erskine whose actions led to the establishment of the Secession Church. Industrialisation, urbanisation and the Disruption of 1843 all undermined the tradition of parish schools. From 1830 the state began to fund buildings with grants, then from 1846 it was funding schools by direct sponsorship, and in 1872 Scotland moved to a system like that in England of state-sponsored largely free schools, run by local school boards. [265] Overall administration was in the hands of the Scotch (later Scottish) Education Department in London. [266] Education was now compulsory from five to thirteen and many new board schools were built. Larger urban school boards established "higher grade" (secondary) schools as a cheaper alternative to the burgh schools. The Scottish Education Department introduced a Leaving Certificate Examination in 1888 to set national standards for secondary education and in 1890 school fees were abolished, creating a state-funded national system of free basic education and common examinations. [208]

Glencoe was a turning point in the Scottish history, and this book describes the events of that time in a clear, concise and direct manner. The action was terrible, but the results contributed to the Scottish growth – moreover, it represents a major event that changed the way Scotland grew. Based on an actual event–the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692–this novel follows Corrag, a woman condemned for her involvement in the slaughter and accused of being a witch. While awaiting her death, she agrees to share her version of events with Charles Leslie, an Irish Jacobite. The vivid descriptions and beautiful writing make Corrag a heroine that readers won’t soon forget.Archeologist, historian, and Scottish author Neil Oliver takes readers on an entertaining journey through Scotland’s history. Overall, this book makes for an enjoyable lesson on Scotland’s past and is incredibly informative to read before a trip. Most interestingly, Oliver takes the time to debunk some myths surrounding iconic moments and figures in the country’s history. How the Scots Invented the Modern World by Arthur Herman Diodorus Siculus' Bibliotheca Historica Book V. Chapter XXI. Section 4 Greek text at the Perseus Project. A major study of the global impact of Scots upon the wider world, with stories of those who left their homeland to begin a new life in places such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the US. Further information: Social history of the United Kingdom (1945–present) and Political history of the United Kingdom (1945–present) Overview [ edit ] After World War II, Scotland's economic situation became progressively worse due to overseas competition, inefficient industry, and industrial disputes. This only began to change in the 1970s, partly due to the discovery and development of North Sea oil and gas and partly as Scotland moved towards a more service-based economy. [ citation needed]