Harleian genealogies facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Harleian genealogies |
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| Author(s) | anonymous |
| Language | Latin |
| Date | 10th century |
| Manuscript(s) | British Library, Harley MS 3859 (c. 1100-1200) |
| Genre | genealogical collection |
The Harleian genealogies are a special collection of old family trees from Wales. These family trees are written in Old Welsh and are kept safe in a very old book called Harley MS 3859. This book is part of the famous Harleian Library collection at the British Library.
The book itself is quite old, likely written around the years 1100 to 1200. It's not just family trees inside! This amazing book also contains other important historical writings, like the Annales Cambriae (which is like a Welsh history timeline) and a version of the Historia Brittonum (another old history book).
What are the Harleian Genealogies?
These genealogies are basically detailed family trees. They show who was related to whom, going back many generations. Think of them as ancient records of royal families and important leaders.
The collection starts with the family lines of Owain ap Hywel Dda, a powerful Welsh ruler who died in 988 AD. Because of this, historians believe these family trees were probably put together during his time as a leader.
Who Do These Family Trees Show?
The Harleian genealogies don't just focus on the most famous rulers. They also trace the family lines of other important, though perhaps less well-known, leaders from Wales. They even include families from a region called the Hen Ogledd, which means "the Old North" of Britain.
Some of these family trees also appear in another collection called the genealogies from Jesus College MS 20. This shows how important these records were and how they were copied and shared.
Why Are They Important?
These genealogies are super important because they are the oldest known family trees of Welsh royal families. They help us understand the history of Wales and its leaders.
For example, they trace the family of Cunedda (sometimes spelled Cunedag), who was a very early and important figure in Welsh history. The genealogies even go all the way back to a legendary figure named Beli Mawr, who is seen as the head of the house of Gwynedd, a major ruling family in Wales. These records give us a glimpse into the ancient past of Welsh royalty.
See also
- Bonedd Gwŷr y Gogledd
- Genealogies from Jesus College MS 20
- Frankish Table of Nations
