Renowned children's historian H. E. Marshall reveals Scotland's ancient origins, the tribal Picts, the Medieval battles involving kings such as Robert Bruce, and the role Scottish people played in the wars and eventually the union with England.

Lively and engaging, Marshall begins by taking us back to ancient times - the Romans being the first invaders to chronicle Scotland. Though Rome saw great value in Scottish lands, the fierceness of its people resulted in construction of Hadrian's Wall at the Scots border. Indeed, for centuries after the Romans left the British Isles, the Pictish tribes of Scotland fought among themselves. Gradually, Scotland unified, with kings such as Macbeth fighting the first wars against English invaders.

Much of this book details the personalities of the kings of Scotland; reign after reign, Scottish culture and identity formed. The rugged landscape and fierce resistance to conquest by invaders from England, and rebellions by men such as William Wallace, meant that Scotland forged a martial legacy and took pride in their bravery and refusal to be subdued. It was only during the time of the Stuarts - where King James VI of Scotland inherited the throne of England - that the two countries became closer and eventually decided to unite.