| Ollamh Fodhla was one of the most extraordinary men of early times. |
| In the O'Donnovan translation of the Annals of Ireland we read - |
| AGE OF THE WORLD 3882
after Faildeargdoid had been ten years in the sovereignty he fell by the hand of Ollamh Fodhla son of Fiacha in the battle of Teamhair.(Tara) AGE OF THE WORLD 3883 Being the first year of the reign of Ollamh Fodhla son of Fiacha Finscothach. AGE OF THE WORLD 3922 Ollamh Fodhla, 40 years in the Sovereignty of Ireland, Died at his own Mur (House) at Teamhair. Eochaidh was his given name. He was first a learned Ollamh and then King of Fodha (Ireland) So Ollamh Fodhla died BC 1377 and if you note the important dates quoted in other European Nations you will realize how advanced he was. At this period even the Chosen People were just emerging, yet Ireland was a settled Kingdom far advanced in the arts of civilized life. It was not until six hundred and twenty seven years later that Romulus founded Rome. One hundred and ninety years after Ollamh Fodhla's death Troy was captured. Ollamh Fodhla is celebrated as a philosopher and statesman. A few monarchs before him were noted for their learning Eithriad (11th Monarch), wrote the history of his people. Iriad (13th King) introduced colour coding in dress to denote rank. Only Kings Queens Ollamhs and historians could wear six to seven colours thus showing the cultural importance assigned to men of learning. Ollamh Fodhla was the first King by whom the Feis Teamhrach was established. He instituted a senatorial assembly resembling a modern parliament vested with legislative and judicial functions. The Feis Teamhrach met triennially at Samhain (Autumn) at Tara. In this assembly ancient record of the kingdom were examined. If any falsehoods were detected they were instantly erased and the author was degraded from the honor of sitting in the assembly and was dismissed. All his works were destroyed and were not received among the records of the kingdom. The verified records were inserted into the Psalter of Tara. In the book of Nachongbhail it says "judging by the few fragments of the Psalter of Tara which have come down to us we affirm that they were the work of a most high civilization" (13 hundred years before the Christian era). In the third century King Cormac MacAirt made additions to the Psalter updating it to his own time. Many excellent laws were past during the reign of Ollamh Fodhla among which was the placing of the army (Na Fianna) under the control of the assembly. He founded great centers of learning for his people which were state maintained. Teachers and professors were endowed with property and exempt from all taxes and personal services. These privileges were granted to Fileas (Philosophers), Bards, Musicians and Genealogists or Heralds. By a system of Armorial bearing Ollamh Fodhla originated the plan of distinguishing different families and establishing this system in Ireland. It was not wholly adopted throughout Europe until the 11th Century. His system of Government was remarkable for its interest in the people and its cultivation of high standards in all areas of life. He died a natural death and was quietly succeed by his son. It is known that he is buried at Tara. ©1996 Marie Breen. LIVING HISTORY, Dublin City, Ireland. |