One of Shakespeare’s greatest works was the story of MacBeth, a tyrannical king of Scotland. However, the real King MacBeth was born in 1005 AD, grandson of Malcolm II. His father was murdered in 1020 AD and in 1034 AD, his cousin Duncan was crowned king of Scotland. Duncan was a power hungry leader who spent most of the next 6 years in battle. In 1040 AD, Duncan died in battle and MacBeth was crowned high king. He was seen as a peaceful and benevolent king, and ruled for 17 years. He died in 1057 AD when Duncan’s son, Malcolm MacDuncan, claimed his right to the throne. He was crowned kind in 1058 AD as Malcolm III. The death of MacBeth is seen as the end of the Celtic way of life in Scotland.