Rhain ap Cadwgan facts for kids

Rhain ap Cadwgan (who lived around the year 740) was a king in Wales of the Early Middle Ages during the 8th century. He ruled over two areas called Dyfed and Brycheiniog. Rhain became king after his father, Cadwgan.

Who Was Rhain ap Cadwgan?

Rhain ap Cadwgan was an important ruler in early medieval Wales. He inherited his position from his father, Cadwgan. His family had been kings in these lands for some time.

Rhain's Rule and Kingdom Changes

Rhain's great-grandfather, Cloten, had married a princess from Brycheiniog. This marriage briefly joined the two kingdoms of Dyfed and Brycheiniog.

However, during Rhain's time as king, things changed. Around the year 710, King Seisyll of Ceredigion invaded Dyfed. He took over a part of Dyfed called Ystrad Tywi. This split Rhain's kingdom into two separate parts. King Seisyll then combined Ceredigion and Ystrad Tywi to create a new kingdom called Seisyllwg.

After this, the smaller kingdom of Dyfed-Brycheiniog was briefly known as Rhainwg. But it was hard to keep the separated parts together. So, Rhain's younger brother, Awst, was put in charge of Brycheiniog.

Rhain's son, Tewdws, became king of Dyfed after Rhain. When Awst passed away, Tewdws claimed his right to rule Brycheiniog as well. He allowed Awst's son, Elwystl, to rule only a small part of it. Tewdws later took full control of Brycheiniog, bringing the lands back together under the name Rhainwg.