Hussa of Bernicia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hussa |
|
|---|---|
| King of Bernicia | |
| Reign | 585–593 |
| Predecessor | Frithuwald |
| Successor | Æthelfrith |
Hussa was an early king of Bernicia, an Anglo-Saxon kingdom in what is now northern England. He was the seventh known ruler of Bernicia. Hussa ruled for about seven years, from around 585 to 592 AD.
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Who Was King Hussa?
Hussa's exact family background is not fully clear. Some historians believe he might have been another son of Ida, who founded the kingdom of Bernicia. However, old records like the Chronicon ex chronicis do not list Hussa among Ida's twelve sons. This makes some people think Hussa might have been the leader of a different group of Anglian people. These Angles were rivals to Ida's family.
Challenges During Hussa's Reign
We do not know much about Hussa's life or his time as king. However, we do know about a major challenge he faced. During his rule, several British kingdoms joined forces against him. These included Rheged, Strathclyde, and Elmet. They tried to drive the Anglian kings, like Hussa, out of Britain.
The British Alliance Against Bernicia
This powerful group of British forces almost succeeded in defeating Hussa. But their alliance eventually failed. This was because the different British tribes started arguing among themselves. These arguments led to the murder of Urien, the king of Rheged. He was killed around 590 AD by his former ally, Morcant. This event weakened the British alliance and saved Hussa's kingdom.
What Happened After Hussa's Death?
After Hussa died, there seems to have been a disagreement between his family and the family of his successor, Æthelfrith. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle tells us about this. It mentions that Hering son of Hussa, Hussa's son, led an army against Æthelfrith. This happened at the Battle of Degsastan in 603 AD. Hering was fighting alongside Áedán mac Gabráin, a king from Scotland.
How Long Did Hussa Rule?
The exact years of Hussa's rule are not certain. Historians have had to guess these dates. Early historical writings give different information about the order of kings. They also differ on how long each king ruled between Ida's death and Æthelfrith becoming king in 592 or 593 AD. The Historia Brittonum states that Hussa ruled for seven years. Based on this, historians have estimated his reign from 585 to 592 AD. However, these dates are not completely confirmed. Hussa's exact place in the family tree of Bernician kings is still unclear.
