Ieuaf facts for kids
Idwal ab Idwal (known as Ieuaf) was a Welsh prince who shared the rule of Gwynedd in northern Wales from 950 to 969. He was called Ieuaf (which means "Junior" in Welsh) to tell him apart from his father, Idwal Foel. He might have also ruled Powys for a while.
Ieuaf was the son of King Idwal the Bald. When his father died in a battle against the Anglo-Saxons in 942, Ieuaf and his brother Iago were forced out of their kingdom. Their uncle, Hywel Dda from Deheubarth, took the crown for himself.
Reclaiming the Kingdom
When Hywel Dda died in 950, Ieuaf and Iago were able to take back their kingdom. They defeated Hywel's sons (their cousins) at the Battle of Carno. However, the fighting didn't stop there.
The brothers attacked areas as far south as Dyfed in 952. In return, their cousins attacked as far north as the Conwy valley in 954. Finally, the southern princes were defeated at the Battle of Llanrwst. They were chased back to Ceredigion.
Sharing Power and Conflict
After winning these battles, Ieuaf and Iago began to argue with each other. In 969, Iago took Ieuaf prisoner. After this, Ieuaf no longer played a part in ruling Gwynedd.
Iago ruled for another ten years. Then, Ieuaf's son, Hywel, took the throne from Iago in 979. Historian John Edward Lloyd says that Ieuaf stayed in prison until he died in 988.
Family
Ieuaf had several children:
- Hywel ab Ieuaf
- Cadwallon ab Ieuaf
- Meurig ab Ieuaf
