Domnonée facts for kids
Domnonée was an important historic kingdom located in northern Brittany, a region in modern-day France. It was founded by people called Britons who came from a place in Great Britain known as Devon. These Britons moved to Brittany to escape attacks from invaders called the Saxons, which happened a very long time ago, in the early Middle Ages.
Domnonée was closely connected to its original homeland in Britain. Sometimes, the two areas were even ruled by the same family! The name "Domnonée" (or "Domnonia" in Latin) was used for both the kingdom in Brittany and the area in Britain. The main parts of Domnonée in Brittany included regions like Trégor, Dol-de-Bretagne, Goélo, and Penthièvre.
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A New Home in Brittany
When the Roman Empire conquered Gaul (which is now France) many centuries ago, the area that later became Domnonée was home to a group of people called the Curiosolite Gauls.
Domnonée is believed to have been started in the 300s by Christian Britons who moved there. The kingdom grew much larger as more and more refugees arrived from Britain, still trying to escape the Saxon invasions.
Strong Connections Across the Sea
Domnonée kept very strong links with other Celtic lands in Great Britain, like Wales, Cornwall, and Devon. Many kings, princes, and religious leaders traveled between these places. The sea wasn't a barrier; instead, it helped connect them.
There are many old stories and legends about how the Bretons settled in Brittany. These tales often mention the close ties between religious groups in Wales and Brittany. For example, a famous abbey (a type of monastery) called Beauport Abbey in Brittany even owned land and churches in Devon, England, a long time ago!
The Story of Conomor
Some historians think that the British and Breton parts of Domnonée might have been united for a while. A leader named Conomor is mentioned in stories from both Great Britain and Brittany. He was killed fighting Clotaire I, a king of the Franks. Conomor might have been a British military leader who protected the English Channel from pirates. He may have even worked with Childebert I, another Frankish king.
The End of the Name
Later, in 1034, the name "Domnonée" was used to describe the comté (a type of county) of Penthièvre. This area was given to Eudes, who was the second son of Geoffrey I, Duke of Brittany. After this time, the name "Domnonée" slowly stopped being used.
The Princes of Domnonée
Domnonée was located in the northeast part of Brittany. The earliest rulers of this area are mentioned in various "Lives of the Saints" (stories about holy people).
At first, Domnonée was one of three main areas in Brittany, and all of them were under the rule of the King of Brittany. The rulers of Domnonée were called "princes." But after a ruler named Jonas, the princes of Domnonée actually became the Kings of the Bretons! This made Domnonée itself a very important place.
Rulers of Domnonée
Here is a list of some of the known rulers of Domnonée:
- St. Fracan
- Riwal I.
- Conan
- ?–513: Conothec
- 513–520: Riwal II, brother of Saint Pompeia of Langoat
- 520–530: Deroch
- 530–535: Riathen
- 535–540: Jonas
- 540: St. Judual
- 540-554: Conomor, who was a regent (someone who rules for a young or absent king) and took power
- 554–580: St. Judual (ruled again)
- 580–605: St. Judhael
- 605–610: Judicaël († 652)
- 610–615: Haeloch
- 615–640: Judicael (ruled again; † 652)
