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0:00:10 > 0:00:13- The Welsh Princes. - Who were they? What were they?
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- Nationalists who wanted to unite - Wales in the Middle Ages?
0:00:20 > 0:00:24- Or leaders who craved power - for personal gain, come what may?
0:00:26 > 0:00:28- The history of many - of the Princes...
0:00:28 > 0:00:32- ..Hywel Dda, Llywelyn the Great, - Llywelyn the Last...
0:00:32 > 0:00:35- ..and Owain Glyndwr - is shrouded in myth.
0:00:36 > 0:00:42- This series offers a 21st century - interpretation of medieval politics.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- We'll lift the mist off the past...
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- ..to place these leaders - in the context of their time.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54- New states were created throughout - Europe in the Middle Ages.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57- Wales was no exception.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00- Not every Prince sought - to create a Welsh state...
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- ..but several sought - political unity in Wales.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08- In the melting pot - of medieval politics...
0:01:08 > 0:01:12- ..few Princes ruled - the whole of Wales.
0:01:20 > 0:01:26- PRINCES - Hywel Dda
0:01:31 > 0:01:32- HORSES NEIGH
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- Over a thousand years ago, - a Royal traveller arrived in Rome.
0:01:45 > 0:01:50- Centuries earlier, this was - the capital of Rome's vast empire.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- It was a symbol - of worldwide Roman domination.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56- Roman ruins could be seen - then as now.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01- But that wasn't the reason - why the King came here.
0:02:02 > 0:02:07- Rome was the centre of the Christian - faith in the Middle Ages.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- The traveller was Hywel ap Cadell, - a South West Wales King.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- He's known today as Hywel Dda, - Hywel the Good. Why Good Hywel?
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- His journey to Rome might have - contributed to his virtuous image...
0:02:32 > 0:02:34- ..as a good, Christian King.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45- He went to Rome on a pilgrimage - to see Christian Roman relics...
0:02:45 > 0:02:50- ..like the 5th century - Santa Pudenziana tapestry.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56- But one thing is certain.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- His journey to Rome demonstrates - that Wales in the Middle Ages...
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- ..was a mainstream European country, - part of the broader Christian world.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- Wales had undergone change - since the days of the Roman Empire.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22- It was a rural country, sparsely - populated, without any towns.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- The country was ruled over - by royal warriors...
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- ..who depended on slave labour - to farm the land.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- The country was split - into several kingdoms.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37- One of them was Hywel's kingdom.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41- It included Ceredigion, Dyfed, - present-day Pembrokeshire...
0:03:41 > 0:03:46- ..Ystrad Tywi, or Deheubarth - as it came to be known.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- Despite the divisions, - by Hywel Dda's day...
0:03:50 > 0:03:54- ..the Welsh believed they were one - people, and Wales was one country.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- They were often called Britons.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06- Their Celtic forefathers - ruled Britain after the Romans left.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- It was widely believed Wales - was destined to rule Britain...
0:04:11 > 0:04:13- ..in the Middle Ages.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- In Hywel Dda's period...
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- ..the Welsh saw themselves - as the Britons' descendants.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- These were the native people - of Britain - the Celts.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- They'd survived the Roman Conquest.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32- The Welsh saw themselves - as their successors.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- The true inheritors - of the British Isles.
0:04:37 > 0:04:43- The Welsh kingdoms were - the principal areas of Britain...
0:04:43 > 0:04:47- ..that remained - in the hands of the Britons...
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- ..or the Welsh - as they were eventually called.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- People began to view - Wales and the Welsh...
0:04:54 > 0:04:56- ..as a separate country and people.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- They spoke their own language - - the Welsh language.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- But this was - a geographical and cultural idea.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15- Another step had to be taken - to believe that one King...
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- ..should rule the country, and turn - it into a cohesive political unit.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- For Hywel - to venture as far as Rome...
0:05:31 > 0:05:35- ..suggests his rule and authority - in South West Wales was secure.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- He reigned as King for a further - 20 years after his pilgrimage.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- His inheritance contributed - to his success as King.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47- Hywel's influential lineage...
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- ..had transformed the political map - of Wales since the 9th century.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- Few facts are available today - about Hywel's life.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01- We don't even know where he lived.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- He was born circa 890, - and married Elen ap Llywarch.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- We know he was an astute leader - and politician.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17- He ruled the vast majority of Wales - until his death at the age of 60.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- Hywel came nearer - than any previous Welsh King...
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- ..to stamp his authority - on the whole of Wales.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31- He created an empire of sorts - over most of the Welsh regions.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34- He removed, temporarily, at least...
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- ..the political divisions that were - an integral part of Welsh history...
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- ..under the Welsh Kings and Princes.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47- Hywel ruled over most of Wales.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- Gwynedd, Powys and the South West.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- Only Glamorgan and Gwent - in the south east...
0:06:55 > 0:06:57- ..remained outside his authority.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- He ruled over these regions - throughout his reign...
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- ..until his death in 950.
0:07:08 > 0:07:14- This statue of Hywel Dda - is in Cardiff's City Hall.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- Penarth artist, Ifor Davies...
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- ..is familiar with - the portrayal of Welsh history.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26- He's creating images of eight - medieval Welsh Princes.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- If you study a painting - for long enough...
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- ..you begin to discover - things about the person.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47- It's interesting - to try to imagine...
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- ..what he looked like.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- He appears to have been quite slim.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- He had a lawyer's long fingers.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- He had a long nose.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09- The surviving image we have - is a single sketch in a manuscript.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22- But I've been considering - what paint to use.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- I don't want flat, acrylic paint.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- I want the paint to come alive, - and have a thick consistency.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- It has to be interesting.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- On his deathbed...
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- ..Hywel Dda was hailed 'King of - the Britons' - the Welsh.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- It's a clear sign - of his power and authority.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53- But establishing a new, united - kingdom wasn't his main goal.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- Hywel's priority - was to promote his own lineage.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- He wanted to broaden - his own power base.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- There's a danger to look back...
0:09:04 > 0:09:09- ..and view Hywel as - the King of the whole of Wales...
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- ..and to celebrate his achievement.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16- But perhaps - this wasn't his intention.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- He wanted more land under his rule.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25- His ambition was to ensure his - family kept control of these lands.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- To understand how Hywel Dda gained - such extraordinary power in Wales...
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- ..we have to look at - his relationship with England.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46- There were two elements - to the relationship.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- Hywel allowed - England's Anglo-Saxon Kings...
0:09:50 > 0:09:52- ..to maintain authority over him.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- In certain aspects, - he wanted to imitate them too.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- The birth of the English kingdom - in the 10th century...
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- ..had important repercussions - for all the British Kings.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- Alfred, King of Wessex - - Alfred the Great...
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- ..repelled the Viking conquest.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19- They had conquered all - the other Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- One of the few surviving relics - from Alfred and Hywel's age...
0:10:33 > 0:10:34- ..is Alfred's jewel.
0:10:35 > 0:10:40- The remarkably intricate piece is - made from gold, enamel and crystal.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- It was a part of a bookmark - at one time.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- A wooden stick reached - into the animal's mouth.
0:10:49 > 0:10:54- An inscription informs us - that it was commissioned by Alfred.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06- Under Athelstan's leadership, - Alfred's grandson...
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- ..the Anglo-Saxons succeeded - in getting rid of the Vikings...
0:11:10 > 0:11:12- ..from most of the land - beyond Offa's Dyke.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- Athelstan was crowned - England's first King.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- Ruling over the Anglo-Saxons wasn't - enough for Athelstan's followers.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26- They also wanted the Celtic peoples - of Britain under their authority.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- A measure - of King Athelstan's ambition...
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- ..was the majestic titles - he bestowed upon himself.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- 'King of All Britain'.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- Hywel couldn't ignore - King Athelstan.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- He bowed to Athelstan, - and accepted his authority.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52- He went to Athelstan's court - a number of times.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- Hywel's name appears as a witness - to charters that were published...
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- ..during court sessions.
0:12:02 > 0:12:07- But it's significant that Hywel - isn't referred to as a King.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- He's a 'Deputy King', - or 'Lesser King'.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- It demonstrated the nature - of their relationship.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- From the Anglo-Saxon - point of view...
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- ..Hywel was a 'lesser King'.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- According to a medieval historian...
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- ..Hywel paid exorbitant - homage to Athelstan annually.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- This included 20lbs of gold, - 300lbs of silver...
0:12:37 > 0:12:39- ..and 25,000 cattle.
0:12:41 > 0:12:42- Hywel was fully aware...
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- ..that King Athelstan's - new Anglo-Saxon empire...
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- ..held the upper hand - over the whole of Britain.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- Hywel's attendance - at the English King's court...
0:12:54 > 0:12:56- ..was arguably a sign of weakness.
0:12:56 > 0:13:01- He was there at the command - of the stronger Anglo-Saxon King.
0:13:01 > 0:13:07- But perhaps Hywel's obedience - was a key factor in his success.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- Peace was the great prize - that Hywel won.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- If he'd annoyed King Athelstan, - he would have been punished.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18- He would have faced a bloody war.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- Bowing to Athelstan - was a price worth paying.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- 888
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- There was a long tradition - of Anglo-Saxon attacks on Wales...
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- ..especially from the - Kingdom of Mercia, on the border.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- Hywel's grandfather - Rhodri the - Great, was killed by the Mercians.
0:13:51 > 0:13:56- During Hywel's reign, Queen - Aethelflaed, Athelstan's aunt...
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- ..attacked - the small kingdom of Brecon.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- She kidnapped the King's wife...
0:14:02 > 0:14:06- ..from a court that was located - on that artificial island...
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- ..on Llangorse Lake.
0:14:10 > 0:14:15- The attack took place in 916, - when Hywel Dda was in his twenties.
0:14:16 > 0:14:21- The Royal crannog on Syfaddan Lake - was an administrative centre.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- It's possible that - a similar site on the mainland...
0:14:25 > 0:14:28- ..was the court - of Hywel Dda himself.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- Recently, the owners of the holiday - camp where the crannog stands...
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- ..have built an information centre - on the lake.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- It reflects the architecture - of the original court.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- What exactly is a crannog?
0:14:50 > 0:14:52- It's a word - for an artificial island.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- It was created - out of stone, sand and branches.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00- Usually, it was a special site.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- Somewhere to build - a sumptuous abode.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- Here, on Syfaddan Lake, - Breconshire...
0:15:08 > 0:15:12- ..was the location - of a Royal Family residence.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- It's the only one in Wales.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- It proves the importance - of the site today.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- The crannog wasn't re-built - after it was burnt down...
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- ..during an Anglo-Saxon attack.
0:15:29 > 0:15:36- Archaeologists unearthed - important relics in the early 1990s.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- Remains of the oak palisade - that surrounded the island...
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- ..are visible - just below the surface.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- It's the only archaeological proof - we have of royal rule in Wales...
0:15:48 > 0:15:50- ..during this period.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- It provides invaluable evidence - of the lives they led.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- Some of the objects tell us a story.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04- There's domestic litter, - and the remains of feasts.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- There are also special objects.
0:16:09 > 0:16:14- Bronze brooches - - and even parts of religious relics.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- What does it tell us about - the way they lived in this court?
0:16:24 > 0:16:26- There are certain clues.
0:16:27 > 0:16:32- A very special object survived - after falling into the water.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- It's a piece - of a noblewoman's dress.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42- It was made - from intricate embroidery.
0:16:43 > 0:16:48- It consists of silk, linen and wool.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51- Patterns on the cloth...
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- ..reminds us - of the Mediterranean connection.
0:16:56 > 0:17:01- It was a fashionable status symbol.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- Hywel probably decided - it was wiser to avoid attacks...
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- ..that would - undermine his authority...
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- ..or even lead to his death.
0:17:25 > 0:17:30- There's no evidence that English - Kings attacked him during his reign.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- They were content - to let him rule Wales...
0:17:34 > 0:17:36- ..as long as he - didn't attack England.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40- His attendances at court - signified their authority over him.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- When he attended - Athelstan's court...
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- ..Hywel witnessed - a perfect example of royal power.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- It could have influenced - his concept...
0:17:52 > 0:17:56- ..of a King's role - and his authority.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- That royal symbol was minting money.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- Hywel Dda is the only Welsh King - or Prince from the Middle Ages...
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- ..who appears on a coin.
0:18:07 > 0:18:12- The penny inscribed with the words - 'King Hywel' was minted in Chester.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17- The houses where the penny - was minted still stand...
0:18:17 > 0:18:19- ..in Lower Bridge St.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- It's something unique and special.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- We only have one example - of Hywel Dda's currency.
0:18:33 > 0:18:40- The silver penny is inscribed - with 'Hywel Rex' - King Hywel.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- Some experts believe - it was a gift from a King...
0:18:47 > 0:18:52- ..minted especially - as a mark of respect for Hywel...
0:18:52 > 0:18:58- ..for all he had accomplished - in Wales.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- Other experts are fairly certain...
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- ..that it is an example - of currency...
0:19:06 > 0:19:12- ..that circulated in Wales - during Hywel Dda's reign.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16- Unfortunately, - we have only the one example.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21- The use of money - was a brand new phenomenon in Wales.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- Athelstan believed...
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- ..that royal authority was - strengthened through legislation.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- He's named on six legal documents.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- Creating laws was a traditional - element in royal legislation.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- Hywel Dda is remembered...
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- ..as a King who created - a broad spectrum of laws for Wales.
0:19:45 > 0:19:51- Was it Athelstan's example that - inspired him to create his own laws?
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- Influenced by the Wessex courts...
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- ..Hywel Dda attempted to unite Wales - administratively and politically...
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- ..emulating what Athelstan - achieved in England.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- There is no surviving evidence - from Hywel Dda's day...
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- ..of his personal involvement - in Welsh law making.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- But this isn't to say - he wasn't interested in the Law.
0:20:18 > 0:20:24- It was the norm for rules of law - to be written by several persons.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- The Laws evolved.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30- In one paragraph of Law...
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- ..it's possible to have clauses - dating from different periods.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- The preface - to the 13th century Law Books...
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- ..reveals how Hywel Dda organized - a great assembly in Whitland, Dyfed.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- The purpose of the meeting - was to review, reform...
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- ..and regulate Welsh Law.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58- It would carry the King's authority, - and be applied throughout Wales.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08- Peter Lord designed this garden - to commemorate that important event.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- Representatives from every Welsh - settlement attended the meeting.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18- It was a national forum.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- Books, and other sources - from the 13th century...
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- ..refer to the laws as Hywel's Law.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- It's the most important symbol - of Welsh unity in the Middle Ages.
0:21:33 > 0:21:38- Hywel Dda's Laws were different - from the laws of England and Rome.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- They were unique laws - - created for the Welsh.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48- They were possibly created - to unite the country and the people.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- Hywel's Law belonged to the nation.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- It was congenital, with an emphasis - on honour, family and so on.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- England's Law - was based on the state.
0:22:00 > 0:22:05- There was a greater emphasis - on order, procedure and so on.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- In the early days of our Assembly, - the Welsh Government Act 2006...
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- ..has inspired - a new interest in our laws.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- Hywel's Law - applied to society as a whole.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- The Royal Court, law and order.
0:22:22 > 0:22:27- Welsh laws were considered fairer - than their English counterparts.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30- If a thief was caught and hanged...
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- ..in England his money would - end up in the King's coffers.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- Under Hywel's Law, the money - would be used to pay off his debts.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- What remained was distributed - between his children and the Church.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- Also, under Hywel's Law, - if you harmed your fellow man...
0:22:45 > 0:22:47- ..you had to pay compensation.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- If a man murdered another man...
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- ..the murderer's family - paid compensation...
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- ..to the victim's family.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04- Its purpose was to prevent - the wronged from seeking revenge.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- Hywel Dda's Laws contained - a whole section on women's rights.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16- But this didn't necessarily - enhance the status of women.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- That was wholly dependent on her - father's status before she married.
0:23:20 > 0:23:26- The status of women is an issue - dating back centuries.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30- The Church portrayed women...
0:23:31 > 0:23:36- ..as sinful creatures...
0:23:37 > 0:23:42- ..who led men into temptation.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46- Adam, - in the Old Testament, blamed Eve.
0:23:46 > 0:23:51- There was a belief that women - led innocent men to sin.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- Women, by their very nature, - were evil.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- The idea of women as dirty...
0:23:57 > 0:24:02- ..was very strong - in the Middle Ages, and later on.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13- Hywel's Laws concentrate - on a woman's property...
0:24:14 > 0:24:18- ..the property - she owned when she married.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21- In the event of a divorce...
0:24:22 > 0:24:26- ..the woman - could reclaim her property.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31- The emphasis is on property, - rather than women's rights.
0:24:32 > 0:24:37- These reports were written more - than 200 years after Hywel's death.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41- They are therefore the - interpretation of legal experts...
0:24:42 > 0:24:44- ..from a later period.
0:24:45 > 0:24:50- No-one believes they accurately - reflect the Laws of Hywel.
0:24:51 > 0:24:56- But yet again, the law books could - contain elements from Hywel's reign.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59- In the Middle Ages...
0:24:59 > 0:25:03- ..people believed in the legend - that these were truly 'Hywel's Law'.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- It helped form the Welsh identity.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- In Wales, perhaps more than one - Prince ruled at a given time...
0:25:13 > 0:25:15- ..but everyone adhered - to Hywel's Law.
0:25:15 > 0:25:20- Wales was united by the Welsh - language and by Hywel's Law.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29- There's no doubt that the Kings - of England influenced Hywel Dda.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33- Perhaps he tried - to emulate those Kings...
0:25:33 > 0:25:38- ..by ensuring that the laws - of his own country carried his name.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- But it's a mistake to assume...
0:25:42 > 0:25:46- ..that Hywel was the author and - creator of medieval Welsh laws.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59- 888
0:26:05 > 0:26:08- Hywel Dda was willing to cooperate - with the Anglo-Saxons.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12- That wasn't the attitude - of the anonymous poet...
0:26:12 > 0:26:16- ..who wrote Armes Prydain, - in the middle of the 10th century.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20- This particular protest song - was composed 1000 years...
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- ..before the protest songs - of the 20th century.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- 'Armes Prydain' prophesised - the fall of the English.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35- The Welsh should drive them - from the island of Britain...
0:26:35 > 0:26:37- ..under St David's banner.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42- It foresaw the Britons regaining - their hold on Britain...
0:26:43 > 0:26:46- ..after centuries - of Anglo-Saxon oppression.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55- It's a poem complaining - about the English.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58- The poet wants Wales to realize - that they...
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- ..and other nations that he names...
0:27:01 > 0:27:05- ..the Norwegians, - and the Irish of Dublin...
0:27:06 > 0:27:09- ..'the Irish of the North' - - the Scots...
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- ..the Welsh in the Old North, - and the Cornish...
0:27:13 > 0:27:17- ..were the native people of Britain, - before the English arrived.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21- The poet wanted them to unite, - to drive the English to the sea.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- This was written at a time...
0:27:26 > 0:27:31- ..when Hywel Dda was getting along - well with the English Kings.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34- It's a protest against that policy.
0:27:41 > 0:27:46- There was a powerful King in Wessex - at this time, Athelstan.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52- He is mentioned in the poem.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58- The protest is aimed against him.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02- He levied heavy taxes on the Welsh.
0:28:03 > 0:28:08- The poem is meant to stir up - anger against past oppression...
0:28:09 > 0:28:14- ..and against the harshness - of the current taxes.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17- This is the poet's protest.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20- "Rise against this man - who is taxing us.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22- "Sweep him and his people - into the sea."
0:28:27 > 0:28:29- In the poem, 'Dublin Foreigners'...
0:28:30 > 0:28:33- ..that is - the Vikings, are - named as supporters of the Welsh.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37- The Vikings had settled in - Dublin and elsewhere in Ireland...
0:28:38 > 0:28:39- ..by the 10th century.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43- 200 years earlier, - the first Viking campaigns...
0:28:44 > 0:28:47- ..against Britain - and Ireland happened.
0:28:47 > 0:28:48- In the beginning...
0:28:49 > 0:28:52- ..these adventurers wanted - to capture treasure and slaves.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56- They attacked without warning, - and escaped quickly...
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- ..thanks to their swift boats.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06- This boat is in the Viking - Ship Museum, Roskilde, Denmark.
0:29:07 > 0:29:14- The Dublin-built boat was probably - used to attack Wales at the time.
0:29:15 > 0:29:21- The boats sailing - the Irish Sea were 60-70 feet long.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28- There were oars on each side - - perhaps 20 oars each side.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32- There was one mast and one sail.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36- They weren't very wide.
0:29:36 > 0:29:41- A wide boat wasn't required - if there were oars.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45- For the same reason, - they weren't very deep, either.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48- They were rowed, and moved swiftly.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53- If the wind was behind them, - they could sail rapidly.
0:29:53 > 0:29:58- If the wind was against them, - they rowed.
0:29:58 > 0:30:03- In a battle, rowing was a way - of manoeuvring quickly.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10- By the mid-9th century...
0:30:10 > 0:30:13- ..there was an important change - in the nature of the attacks.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16- From pillaging - to conquering.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21- Rather than launching - summertime campaigns...
0:30:21 > 0:30:25- ..some Vikings decided to settle - in Britain and Ireland.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28- From here, they set sail to Wales.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39- When they arrived in Anglesey in the - latter part of the 9th century...
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- ..it's possible - they tried to settle here...
0:30:43 > 0:30:45- ..and conquer.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49- But it's not that simple.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55- Try to imagine - the local population's reaction...
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- ..and the relationship between - the Vikings and the native people.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04- Were the Vikings - attacking the local people...
0:31:04 > 0:31:09- ..or did the local people become - a part of the Viking society?
0:31:13 > 0:31:16- The Vikings - failed to establish in Wales...
0:31:16 > 0:31:19- ..anything like - the Danelaw communities in England.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23- Those kingdoms - were ruled by the Danes.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28- But if there wasn't - a Scandinavian conquest in Wales...
0:31:28 > 0:31:33- ..it's obvious the Vikings laid down - roots all over the country.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38- Scandinavian place names - dot the Welsh coastline.
0:31:40 > 0:31:45- Many names refer to places - their ships should avoid.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49- It was crucial information - for any ship captain.
0:31:49 > 0:31:54- For instance, Anglesey - - from Onguls-ey. 'Ey' means island.
0:31:55 > 0:32:00- Priestholm features - the word 'holm', or small island.
0:32:02 > 0:32:07- The Skerries includes - the word 'sker' - solitary rock.
0:32:08 > 0:32:14- Fishguard, from fiskigard, - a place to store fish.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22- Archaeology and Art offer - the most important evidence...
0:32:22 > 0:32:26- ..that the Vikings settled in Wales - in Hywel Dda's day.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30- Mostly, - in the north-east and on Anglesey.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35- Experts have studied - the patterns on Dyserth Cross...
0:32:35 > 0:32:37- ..and the Achwyfan Stone - in Flintshire.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42- They conclude - that Vikings once lived there.
0:32:47 > 0:32:53- There are non-Christian, - Pagan figures on the cross.
0:32:54 > 0:33:00- When the Vikings arrived in Britain, - they were Pagans.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03- But at the same time...
0:33:04 > 0:33:12- ..the Achwyfan Stone - suggests they became Christians.
0:33:13 > 0:33:19- They built crosses - - a symbol of Christianity.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22- But they included Pagan figures.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33- The Bangor silver treasure - in the National Museum...
0:33:34 > 0:33:37- ..includes typical - Scandinavian bracelets.
0:33:38 > 0:33:43- The Vikings hoped to return - to collect their buried treasure.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52- But the best evidence - is found on Anglesey.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56- In addition to treasure troves and - a Viking burial site in Benllech...
0:33:57 > 0:34:00- ..there are - two 10th century crosses in Penmon.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- These display - Scandinavian influences.
0:34:20 > 0:34:25- Above all, archaeological digging - since 1992 in Llanbedrgoch...
0:34:26 > 0:34:28- ..has uncovered a fort-like camp.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31- It was a Viking trading centre...
0:34:31 > 0:34:33- ..during the first half - of the 10th century.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38- It was a new centre, the like - of which had never been seen before.
0:34:38 > 0:34:43- A fort that was used for several - purposes, built on low ground.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48- These are the remains of the walls - that surrounded the site.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52- The Llanbedrgoch site is unique.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55- It's the first to be discovered.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00- A trading centre - where goods were sold.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07- Business was good because - they cooperated with the locals.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11- There's plenty of evidence.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14- There are numerous relics...
0:35:15 > 0:35:20- ..brooches, - pieces of bronze and silver...
0:35:22 > 0:35:27- ..even the discs to weigh produce.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36- But from an archaeological - point of view...
0:35:36 > 0:35:41- ..there's an interesting, - but quite alarming, story.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46- As the archaeologists dug - in the ditch...
0:35:51 > 0:35:55- ..they found human remains - bones.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58- They found many skeletons.
0:36:18 > 0:36:23- Manchester University has - skilfully recreated in bronze...
0:36:24 > 0:36:27- ..the faces of the bodies that - were buried over 1000 years ago.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32- These sculptures - are a direct link...
0:36:32 > 0:36:35- ..with the residents of Anglesey - during Hywel Dda's reign.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40- According to forensic research...
0:36:41 > 0:36:47- ..into the positions - of the buried bodies...
0:36:48 > 0:36:52- ..it's apparent that - this was not a formal burial ground.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58- Looking closely - at the location of the bodies...
0:36:58 > 0:37:02- ..we realize their hands were bound.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06- The bodies were thrown - into the ditch.
0:37:10 > 0:37:15- These poor unfortunates - weren't given a Christian burial.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19- Recently, however, - hundreds of skeletons...
0:37:20 > 0:37:24- ..were found in Tywyn y Capel, - Trearddur Bay, Anglesey.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28- Mystery surrounds these too.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30- Were they Welsh, or Viking?
0:37:32 > 0:37:36- They certainly walked on - Trearddur Bay in Hywel Dda's day.
0:37:42 > 0:37:46- The skeletons are being examined - in Preston University.
0:37:47 > 0:37:52- The evidence that's unfolding - shows us how these people lived.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- They certainly - didn't clean their teeth.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06- This is medieval plaque.
0:38:08 > 0:38:13- The tiny holes in the skull suggests - a lack of iron in their diet.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23- The people buried in Trearddur Bay - could have been Welsh or Viking.
0:38:23 > 0:38:28- But Vikings lived on Anglesey - long after Hywel Dda's day.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33- His success in securing - so much authority over Wales...
0:38:33 > 0:38:35- ..was a great personal achievement.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40- After Hywel's death, - Wales wasn't ruled by one King...
0:38:40 > 0:38:42- ..for almost another century.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46- Hywel Dda died circa 950.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49- He's the only Welsh Prince - to be called 'Da' - good.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54- On his death, minor Welsh Princes - fought each other again.
0:38:55 > 0:39:01- Wales suffered further attacks by - the Mercians, Saxons and Vikings.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06- But a bloodthirsty King went - a step further than Hywel Dda.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09- He had the whole of Wales - under his rule.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22- 888
0:39:29 > 0:39:31- A century after Hywel Dda's death...
0:39:31 > 0:39:34- ..Gruffudd ap Llywelyn became - the most powerful leader in Wales.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38- His remarkable career proves - how much a determined...
0:39:39 > 0:39:42- ..and merciless leader - can accomplish.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47- By the end of his life, - Gruffudd ruled the whole of Wales.
0:39:47 > 0:39:52- Glamorgan and Gwent even - - regions Hywel failed to conquer.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58- Gruffudd even pushed - the boundary beyond Offa's Dyke...
0:39:58 > 0:40:00- ..at the expense of the English.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03- He carried out - a series of violent attacks.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08- I don't think there are images - of Gruffudd ap Llywelyn.
0:40:09 > 0:40:14- He was one of the earlier Princes, - after Hywel Dda.
0:40:17 > 0:40:22- He was obviously a reckless man.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39- These are some of the flames...
0:40:39 > 0:40:44- ..which appear inverted - behind the figure of the Prince.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54- He was Hywel Dda's - great-great-grandson.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58- He was Rhodri the Great's - great-great-great-grandson.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03- He seized power - in Gwynedd and Powys in 1039.
0:41:04 > 0:41:09- He moved to the South-West in 1055.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12- He seized Glamorgan in 1057.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16- By 1057, he was the King of Wales.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21- Furthermore, he was powerful enough - to involve himself over the border.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25- Gruffudd ap Llywelyn, - more than anyone...
0:41:25 > 0:41:30- ..is responsible for a large part - of Wales, east of Offa's Dyke...
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- ..now considered a part of Wales.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37- Places like Wrexham Maelor, east - Flintshire, east Radnorshire...
0:41:37 > 0:41:39- ..are lands that he seized back.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49- Gruffudd was - a determined and brutal soldier.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53- During his battles - to conquer the whole of Wales...
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- ..he killed two Kings, - and kidnapped one of their wives.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02- After tiring of that, - he looked towards England.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12- But to attack England, - he needed help.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15- Gruffudd became friendly - with Aelfgar.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19- The Earl was - King Edward the Confessor's enemy.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22- He'd been exiled.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24- They attacked and burnt Hereford.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32- Archaeological digs - have uncovered evidence...
0:42:33 > 0:42:35- ..that most of the town was burnt.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40- In the 21st century, Hereford - is a prosperous market town.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44- Remains of Gruffudd's destruction - are barely visible today.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51- But it wasn't only Princes and Kings - that Gruffudd murdered.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55- He even killed Leofgar, - Hereford's new bishop...
0:42:56 > 0:43:00- ..to avenge an attack on Wales - by the bishop's soldiers.
0:43:01 > 0:43:05- The bloodshed led to Edward - the Confessor's representatives...
0:43:05 > 0:43:07- ..agreeing peace terms - with Gruffudd.
0:43:08 > 0:43:12- They allowed him to keep the land - that he'd seized along the border.
0:43:13 > 0:43:20- A section east of Offa's Dyke was - called a wasteland by the English.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24- The Crown - yielded that land to Gruffudd.
0:43:25 > 0:43:27- It was of no use to the English.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31- It didn't provide income - from land tax.
0:43:31 > 0:43:34- Towards the middle - of the 11th century...
0:43:34 > 0:43:38- ..Gruffudd was described as - 'The King of the whole of Wales.'
0:43:39 > 0:43:42- But he was betrayed and killed - by his own men.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47- The basic reason for this - was that he made too many enemies.
0:43:48 > 0:43:50- He seized power through violence.
0:43:56 > 0:44:00- He killed everyone - who was a threat to him.
0:44:01 > 0:44:05- He was the Amin or Saddam - of his period.
0:44:07 > 0:44:10- Gwallter Map wrote - that he didn't kill people...
0:44:11 > 0:44:15- "..he broke the sons' horns - so they didn't injure their mother."
0:44:16 > 0:44:19- But in actual fact - - he was an assassin.
0:44:23 > 0:44:28- Gruffudd's enemies seized the chance - to get rid of him, in 1063.
0:44:30 > 0:44:33- Edward the Confessor, who was buried - in Westminster Abbey...
0:44:33 > 0:44:38- ..was furious at Gruffudd's - many violent campaigns in England.
0:44:42 > 0:44:44- He ordered Harold Godwineson...
0:44:44 > 0:44:48- ..who was killed in - the Battle of Hastings in 1066...
0:44:49 > 0:44:50- ..to attack Gruffudd.
0:44:51 > 0:44:54- The result - was a lightning attack on Rhuddlan.
0:44:54 > 0:44:58- A fleet of Gruffudd's ships - was destroyed.
0:45:00 > 0:45:03- The ships were an important part - of his military strategy.
0:45:04 > 0:45:09- Harold sent the figurehead, which - adorned one of Gruffudd's ships...
0:45:09 > 0:45:13- ..to the King as a gift. - Gruffudd managed to escape.
0:45:14 > 0:45:16- But his followers decided...
0:45:16 > 0:45:19- ..the constant warfare - was too high a price to pay.
0:45:22 > 0:45:25- In 1063, - he was chased from place to place.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29- According to 'Brut y Tywysogion' - he was killed in Snowdonia...
0:45:29 > 0:45:31- ..by one of his own men.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35- JE Lloyd claims he was betrayed - and killed.
0:45:36 > 0:45:40- But in the Ulster Chronicle, it is - claimed Cynan ap Iago killed him.
0:45:41 > 0:45:44- We know Gruffudd ap Llywelyn - killed Cynan ap Iago's father.
0:45:45 > 0:45:48- It's possible that Cynan ap Iago...
0:45:48 > 0:45:52- ..who was related - to Gruffudd ap Llywelyn...
0:45:53 > 0:45:56- ..had been waiting - for his chance to strike.
0:45:57 > 0:46:01- It's happened throughout the ages.
0:46:01 > 0:46:06- Consider the attempts made on - Hitler's life by people he trusted.
0:46:09 > 0:46:13- 1000 years ago, Hywel Dda - and Gruffudd ap Llywelyn...
0:46:14 > 0:46:17- ..were the two Kings who came - closest to ruling all of Wales.
0:46:19 > 0:46:22- But they also promoted - their own interests...
0:46:22 > 0:46:26- ..and their families' interests - as their power advanced.
0:46:26 > 0:46:30- In Gruffudd's case, violence - was a key factor in his success.
0:46:32 > 0:46:36- It's obvious Gruffudd ap Llywelyn - was a talented soldier.
0:46:37 > 0:46:40- He had an element of strategy.
0:46:41 > 0:46:48- There's no doubt that the Welsh - wanted to unite under one King.
0:46:51 > 0:46:56- This wasn't nationalism, in - the contemporary sense of the word.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01- But they were aware of Wales as - a nation. This certainly existed.
0:47:02 > 0:47:09- The idea of loyalty to one - ruler wasn't such a ridiculous idea.
0:47:10 > 0:47:14- Gruffudd ap Llywelyn, - like the later Princes of Gwynedd...
0:47:15 > 0:47:18- ..could benefit from - this feeling of national unity...
0:47:18 > 0:47:21- ..to create some kind of state.
0:47:24 > 0:47:29- Gruffudd ap Llywelyn used violence - to create a Welsh state of sorts.
0:47:30 > 0:47:33- It can be argued that Hywel Dda - was more than willing...
0:47:33 > 0:47:35- ..to use power when it was required.
0:47:36 > 0:47:41- We shouldn't be fooled by the name - Hywel Dda - Hywel the Good...
0:47:42 > 0:47:45- ..into imagining - he never used violence.
0:47:46 > 0:47:49- There must have been - a violent side to his rule.
0:47:49 > 0:47:53- He used force to seize new lands.
0:47:54 > 0:47:59- Here was a combination - of soldier and leader.
0:48:00 > 0:48:02- He had vision.
0:48:03 > 0:48:07- Instead of seeking - outright independence...
0:48:08 > 0:48:14- ..he confirmed his authority, - and that of his family, in Wales.
0:48:17 > 0:48:19- But who made the wiser choice?
0:48:20 > 0:48:23- Hywel Dda, who was prepared - to bow to the English crown...
0:48:23 > 0:48:26- ..avoiding a destructive campaign - by the English...
0:48:27 > 0:48:31- ..or Gruffudd ap Llywelyn - - an unusually ambitious man...
0:48:31 > 0:48:33- ..who not only killed - his Welsh enemies...
0:48:34 > 0:48:36- ..but also - conquered parts of England.
0:49:17 > 0:49:19- S4C Subtitles by GWEAD