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Macbeth ruled from 1040 to 1057. Scotland had been united under Duncan's grandfather Máel Coluim mac Cináeda (Malcolm), whom Duncan succeeded. Duncan had reigned for six years when he died in a military foray into Macbeth's lands. Macbeth, his cousin and also his war leader, then claimed the throne. During his mostly peaceful 17 year reign he was respected as a strong leader in military affairs and in peace. He was partly defeated in an invasion by English troops in alliance with one of Duncan's sons, Malcolm, at the Battle of Dunsinane in 1054, and killed at the Battle of Lumphanan in 1057 by Malcolm's forces.
