Hywel ap Caradog facts for kids
Hywel ap Rhodri Molwynog was a king of Gwynedd, a kingdom in Wales. He ruled from 816 to 825. Hywel became king after a big fight with his brother, King Cynan Dindaethwy ap Rhodri. During Hywel's time as king, Gwynedd's power was mostly limited to Anglesey. They also lost a lot of land to a powerful kingdom called Mercia.
Some old writings say Hywel was the son of Rhodri Molwynog. This is because he was known as Cynan's brother. However, other old family records say he was the son of someone else, Caradog ap Meirion. It's a bit unclear!
Becoming King of Gwynedd
Hywel and his brother, King Cynan, fought a big war on Anglesey. This war lasted from 812 to 816. In the end, Cynan was defeated and sent away. This allowed Hywel to become the new king.
While Gwynedd was weak from this war, Coenwulf of Mercia, the King of Mercia, took advantage. In 817, Mercia took over a place called Rhufoniog. They also attacked the mountains of Eryri, which is now known as Snowdonia. This area was a strong defensive place for Gwynedd. In 818, there was an important battle at Llanfaes on Anglesey. We don't know who fought in this battle. But Llanfaes was where King Cynan used to have his royal court.
Challenges from Mercia
Mercia continued to be a threat to Gwynedd. In 821, Mercia still controlled the coast near the Dee Estuary. King Coenwulf of Mercia died peacefully there that year. In 823, Mercia attacked another Welsh kingdom called Powys. They also returned to Gwynedd and burned down Deganwy, an important place.
End of a Royal Line
Hywel was the last king of Gwynedd from a very old royal family line. This family line came from Maelgwn Gwynedd. After Hywel, his nephew, Merfyn Frych (his sister's son), became the next king.
See also
- Kings of Wales family trees
