Welsh Kings: Warriors, Warlords, and Princes

by Kari Maund

Overview

When Edward I's troops forced the destruction of Dafydd ap Gruffudd in 1283 they brought to an end the line of truly independent native rulers in Wales that had endured throughout recorded history. In the early middle ages Wales was composed of a variety of independent kingdoms with varying degrees of power, influence and stability, each ruled by proud and obdurate lineages. In this period a 'Kingdom of Wales' never existed, but the more powerful leaders, like Rhodri Mawr (the Great), Gruffudd ap Llywelyn and Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, sought to extend their rule over the entire country. The author produces revealing pictures of the leading Welsh kings and princes of the day and explores both their contribution to Welsh history and their impact on the wider world. They were, of necessity, warriors, living in a violent political world and requiring ruthless skills to even begin to rule in Wales. Yet they showed wider vision, political acumen and statesmanship, and were patrons of the arts and the church. The history of their contact with their neighbours, allies and rivals is examined - Anglo-Saxons, Irish, Vikings, and Anglo-Normans - thereby setting Welsh institutions within their wider historical context. This work revives the memory of the native leaders of the country from a time before the title 'Prince of Wales' became an honorary trinket in the gift of a foreign ruler. These men are restored to their rightful place amongst the past rulers of the island of Britain.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780752473925
Publisher:	The History Press
Publication date:	10/24/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	232
File size:	2 MB
Age Range:	18 Years

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 6

List of Abbreviations 8

Introduction 10

1 From Vortigern to Merfyn Frych 15

2 From Rhodri Mawr to Hywel Dda 45

3 From Owain ap Hywel to Gruffudd ap Llywelyn 68

4 From Bleddyn ap Cynfyn to Owain ap Cadwgan 98

5 From Owain Gwynedd to Rhys ap Gruffudd 153

6 Llywelyn ap Iorwerth 181

7 Llywelyn ap Gruffudd 205

Notes 232

Bibliography 247

List of Illustrations 250

Index 252