Oisc of Kent facts for kids
Oisc (pronounced "oish" or "ash"), also known as Æsc or Esc, was an early king of Kent. He ruled from about 488 CE to 512 CE. We know this from an old book called the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Some historians think he might be the same person as Ansehis, a leader of the Saxon invaders mentioned in another old text, the Ravenna Cosmography.
Not much is known for sure about Oisc's life. The information we have is often a bit unclear or hard to confirm.
Oisc's Family and Background
Oisc was likely the son or grandson of Hengest. Hengest was an important leader who helped the Anglo-Saxon people settle in Kent.
According to a famous historian named Bede, who wrote Ecclesiastical History of the English People, Oisc's real name was Oeric. Bede wrote that Oeric came to Britain with his father Hengest. They came with the permission of the British king at the time, Vortigern.
Oisc had a son named Octa, who became king after him. Oisc was so important that his family and future kings of Kent called themselves "Oiscingas" after him. This means "descendants of Oisc."
See also
