Ceol of Wessex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ceol |
|
|---|---|
| King of Wessex | |
| Reign | 591-597 |
| Predecessor | Ceawlin |
| Successor | Ceolwulf |
| Died | after 597 |
| House | House of Wessex |
Ceol (also known as Ceola or Ceolric) was a king of the Gewisse people. These people later became known as the West Saxons or people of Wessex. He ruled as king from 591 to 597. Before becoming king, he was an "underking" until 592. That year, he took over from his uncle, Ceawlin of Wessex, to become the main king.
Becoming King of Wessex
Ceol was the grandson of an earlier king named Cynric of Wessex. He was also the brother of another future king, Ceolwulf. Ceol served as an "underking" to his uncle, Ceawlin. An underking is like a prince or a powerful leader who helps the main king.
In the year 592, King Ceawlin lost his power. This happened after a big battle at a place called Woddesbeorg. The old records say there was a "great slaughter" or many people died. This likely happened among the Gewisse, or West Saxons.
If the old stories are correct, Ceol took the throne from his uncle, Ceawlin. A throne is the special chair a king sits on, showing his power. In 593, Ceawlin died, along with two other people named Cwichelm and Crida. We don't know much about these two.
Ceol ruled as king until 597. After him, his brother Ceolwulf became the new king. The old records do not say exactly when Ceol died. But it was either in 597 or soon after that year.
