The monarch of Scotland from 1040 until his death in 1057, Macbeth's reign was largely characterized by peace until the English invasion in 1054. Macbeth was killed three years later in battle by the forces of the future Malcolm III. Prior to becoming king, Macbeth held the title of Mormaer of Moray, and it is believed that he was responsible for the death of the previous mormaer, Gille Coemgáin. Although Macbeth is best remembered as the eponymous character of Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth, the play, largely based on Holinshed's Chronicles, is not accurate to the life of the historical figure.