Cyngen ap Cadell facts for kids

Cyngen ap Cadell (also known as Concenn) was a powerful king of Powys, a kingdom in ancient Wales. He ruled for a long time, from 808 AD until his death in 854 AD. He died while on a special journey to Rome, a very important city in Italy.

Who Was King Cyngen?

Cyngen belonged to a famous royal family line from Brochwel Ysgithrog. He ruled the kingdom of Powys for many years. His journey to Rome was a pilgrimage, a religious trip. He is thought to be the first Welsh ruler to visit Rome after a disagreement between the Welsh church and Rome was settled. This disagreement was about the correct date for Easter.

The Pillar of Eliseg

King Cyngen created a special monument to honor his great-grandfather, Elisedd ap Gwylog. This monument was originally a tall, round cross. It stands near the old Valle Crucis building.

This memorial has a long message carved into it. It is known today as the Pillar of Eliseg. The name "Eliseg" came from a small mistake made by the person who carved the original message.

End of a Royal Line

Cyngen was the last king from his family, the Gwertherion dynasty, to rule Powys directly. He had three sons:

• Elisedd ap Cyngen
• Ieuaf ap Cyngen
• Aeddan ap Cyngen
• Gruffydd ap Cyngen

However, after Cyngen died, his kingdom of Powys was taken over by Rhodri Mawr. Rhodri was a very strong ruler from Gwynedd. He was also Cyngen's nephew. Rhodri's father, Merfyn Frych, had married Cyngen's sister, Nest ferch Cadell. This connection helped Rhodri take control of Powys.

See also

• Kings of Wales family trees