Macbeth is perhaps most well-known as the lead figure in a Shakespeare tragedy, but he was a real person who ruled Scotland in the 11th Century, claiming the throne and then losing it 17 years later, on the very next day of the year.

Like many people during the Middle Ages, the early life of MacBeth MacFindlaech has many gaps. He is said by some sources to have been born in 1005. His father was Findlaech MacRuaridh, and his mother was Doada, whose father was King Malcolm II. Young MacBeth left home to get an education from monks, as was a custom for many. His father died in 1020, when the boy was 15.

The next sure reference to MacBeth in the historical record is in 1032, when he was elected Mormaer of Moray, a position similar to a high steward that his father had held some years earlier. The province of Moray had a form of autonomy.

One of the most well-known events in Shakespeare's play Macbeth is the title character's killing of King Duncan I. The two men did fight, in 1040, in battle near Elgin, in Morayshire, and Macbeth did kill Duncan, in battle, on August 14. Macbeth then took the throne, with little opposition. He was crowned in Scone. A marriage to Gruoch, granddaughter of former King Kenneth III, strengthened his right to rule.

Five years into his rule, Macbeth faced a strong challenge from Crinan, Duncan's father. The two fought at Dunkeld, and Macbeth emerged victorious. The death of Duncan came on the battlefield, not in Macbeth's home, as is depicted in Shakespeare's play.

The rule of Macbeth is said to have been a relatively peaceful one, with few complaints from the people at large. He is known to have gone in 1050 to Rome, representing Scotland at a papal celebration. He also presided over the introduction of a handful of forward-looking laws, including one guaranteeing daughters the right to inheritance the same as what sons already enjoyed.

In 1054, the powerful Siward, Earl of Northumbria, threw his support behind Duncan's son, Malcolm Canmore, as part of a wider invasion by England's Edward the Confessor. That combination proved very strong indeed, and Macbeth was forced to defend his throne in battle for a few years. His last battle came in 1057 at Lumphanan, in Aberdeenshire. Macbeth had killed Malcolm's father and grandfather but could not kill the son. Malcolm ended Macbeth's life and became King Malcolm III.

Thus, the reign of Macbeth ended on Aug. 15, 1057. That was 17 years and a day to the date of his ascension to the throne.

Macbeth and Gruoch had had no children. Gruoch had been married before, to Gille Coemgain, and had a son, named Lulach. He was in his 20s when Macbeth died, and stepson succeeded stepfather on the Scottish throne. He ruled for just a few months until he, too, lost his life to Malcolm III.