Cyfeiliog facts for kids
Cyfeiliog was an important area in medieval Wales. It was like a small district or region, known as a commote. Cyfeiliog was part of a larger area called Cynan, which was itself part of the Kingdom of Powys.
Sometimes, people even called Cyfeiliog a cantref on its own. A cantref was a bigger region, made up of several commotes. This might have happened because Cyfeiliog was the largest and most important commote in Cynan.
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Where was Cyfeiliog?
Cyfeiliog was located in a central part of Wales. It shared its borders with several other regions.
Neighboring Regions
- To the north, it bordered Penllyn.
- To the east, it was next to Caereinion.
- In the south-east, it bordered Arwystli.
Borders with Other Kingdoms
Cyfeiliog also touched the edges of other powerful Welsh kingdoms:
- Its north-east border was with Meirionydd, which belonged to the Kingdom of Gwynedd.
- Its south-east border was with Penweddig, part of the Kingdom of Ceredigion.
Who Ruled Cyfeiliog?
Cyfeiliog had an interesting history, especially after a major event in the Kingdom of Powys.
The Division of Powys
In 1160, Madog ap Maredudd, who was the last Prince of all Powys, passed away. His kingdom was then split among his family members. This included his sons, his nephew, and his half-brother.
Cyfeiliog was given to his nephew, a ruler named Owain Cyfeiliog.
Owain Cyfeiliog's Rule
Owain Cyfeiliog was a clever leader.
- In 1165, he first joined other Welsh rulers, like Owain Gwynedd, to fight against an invasion by King Henry II of England.
- However, Owain Cyfeiliog later changed his side. He slowly gained more control over a larger area in southern Powys. He took over lands from other family members.
The Rise of Powys Wenwynwyn
In 1195, Owain Cyfeiliog passed his lands to his son, Gwenwynwyn. The territories he had gathered became known as Powys Wenwynwyn. This new name honored Gwenwynwyn and marked a new chapter for this part of Wales.
