c. 941-1014

Irish king who briefly united his land against the Danes. In 999 he won the capital city of Dublin, and in 1002 became king of all Ireland. By then more than 60 years old, he turned his attention from battle to administration, seeking to solidify his position through a strong alliance with the Catholic Church. Brian instituted a system of church schools to strengthen education throughout the country, and modeled his reforms on those undertaken by Charlemagne (742-814). He was killed in a battle with the Danes, and his vision of Irish unity died with him.