Rhys ab Owain facts for kids

Rhys ab Owain was a Welsh king who ruled a part of southern Wales called Deheubarth. He lived a long time ago and died in the year 1078.

Who Was Rhys ab Owain?

Rhys ab Owain came from an important family in Wales. His father was Owain ab Edwin. Rhys was also part of the Dinefwr family. This was a powerful group of rulers. They were connected to Hywel Dda, a famous Welsh king from earlier times.

Becoming King

Rhys became the king of Deheubarth in 1072. He took over after his brother, Maredudd, who had been king before him.

Challenges and Conflicts

Rhys's time as king was full of challenges. In 1075, he was involved in a big event. This event led to the death of Bleddyn ap Cynfyn. Bleddyn was a powerful king who ruled two other Welsh kingdoms: Gwynedd and Powys.

Later, in 1078, Rhys faced another powerful leader. This was Trahaearn ap Caradog, who had become king of Gwynedd after Bleddyn. Rhys and his forces fought against Trahaearn in a battle near a place called Gwdig (which is now known as Goodwick). Rhys was defeated in this battle.

The End of His Reign

Sadly, later in that same year, 1078, Rhys ab Owain died. He was killed by Caradog ap Gruffydd, a ruler from Gwent. People at the time saw Rhys's defeat and death as a kind of payback for the earlier events involving King Bleddyn.

After Rhys ab Owain, his second cousin, Rhys ap Tewdwr, became the new king of Deheubarth.