Early sources, traditional legends, and later novels claim he fought against King Arthur but also claim he was granted Wessex by that king. World History Encyclopedia is a non-profit organization. Cerdic was regarded as the ruler of the Winchester-Southampton area in the late fifth century, as the commander of the Saxons who landed in that area, and as a king who consistently fought with the English against the British armies...Excavation [in the present day] locates and dates the homes of his federates, and suggests where he raised them (104). For by them he conquered all his enemies and won every field that was fought.". The House of Wessex was the family that ruled southwest England, known as Wessex, from the 6th century under Cerdic of Wessex until the unification of the Kingdoms of England by Alfred the Great and his successors. Geoffrey of Monmouth mentions Cerdic as an ally of Hengist and Vortigern in Chapter VI.13 of his History of the Kings of Briton when Vortigern and Hengist call for "gallant warriors" to come help them defeat the barbarians: "and Cerdic came with three hundred ships (Nennius says 40) all full of an armed host, all of whom did Vortigern receive kindly, bestowing upon them unstinted largesse. Regarding Cerdic's founding of Wessex and his subsequent rule, and the claim that Arthur ruled the same territory at the same time, they write: There is no good solution to the problem of Arthur presiding over the territory and time of the founding of the Saxon kingdom of Wessex - unless he presided over it! It's the oldest and one of the most powerful in England. His influence was so profound that later genealogies of the English monarchy would claim that all the sovereigns of Britain, save for Canute, Hardecanute, the Harolds, and William the Conqueror, were descended from him.Precisely why he was so influential is debated, however, in that the ancient … Cerdic (r. 519-534 CE) was King of the West Saxons and the founder of Wessex. In 495, Cerdic and his son Cynric invaded England with a fleet of five ships, landing in Hampshire. Cerdic (aka of Wessex) King of the West Saxons. Regarding The Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, he writes: The early West Saxon entries in the Saxon Chronicle are exceptionally confused, duplicated under different dates and, at first sight, contradictory. Precisely why he was so influential is debated, however, in that the ancient sources conflict in their accounts of his life, who he was, and what he accomplished - so much so that a number of historians in the present day question whether Cerdic even existed. Cerdic, (died 534), founder of the West Saxon kingdom, or Wessex. Cerdic of WESSEX [alt ped] (Too many pedigrees have been proposed for Cerdic to give them all; we show a few. The House of Wessex, also known as the House of Cerdic is the ruling house of the Kingdom of Wessex.It's the oldest, and one of the most powerful, in England.It was founded three hundred years before the events of Vikings.Members are called Cerdicingas in Old English.. The historian Nennius, who is thought to have written his History of the Britons in 828 CE, claims Arthur never lost a single one of his famous twelve battles which would have taken place in the 6th century CE. According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Cerdic, along with his son Cynric, came to Britain in 495. According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Cerdic, along with his son Cynric, came to Britain in 495. In its permanent nucleus, its land approximated that of the modern counties of Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, and Somerset. Image Guardian... Saxon Square-Headed Bow Brooch, Anglo-Saxon, 6th century CE, Metropolitan... Arthur, Cerdic, and The Formation of Wessex: John C. and Joseph W. Rudmin, The Middle Ages: Everyday Life in Medieval Europe, The Age of Arthur: A History of the British Isles from 350 to 650, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike. It must be suspected that the place names preceded the persons referred to, rather than the reverse, and that the history of the latter was concocted to explain the existence of the former (178). Note that this one makes him grandson of more likely pedigree.) Cerdic (/ ˈ tʃ ɜːr d ɪ tʃ /; Latin: Cerdicus) is described in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as a leader of the Anglo-Saxon settlement of Britain, being the founder and first king of Saxon Wessex, reigning from 519 to 534 AD.Subsequent kings of Wessex were each claimed by the Chronicle to descend in some manner from Cerdic. Contents [hide] 1 Official life and career 2 Origins 3 Modern times 4 External links [edit] Official life and career He appears as a chieftain with an Anglian pedigree but an indubitably Welsh name, having Jutish kinsfolk, with whose aid he establishes a Saxon kingdom, which nevertheless seems to remain archaeologically British (i.e. We will refer to the region as the Oxford basin.Many of these people had been living in that area since 410 orearlier. Cynric his son succeeded to the government and reigned afterwards 26 winters. Some of the links between Cerdic and Egbert are a little uncertain, and there is some doubt that Egbert was a descendant of Cerdic, or that Cerdic existed at all. Who the actual Cerdic was, what he did, and why he made such an impression, remains unclear; the Cerdic who was created by the later writers is the Cerdic of history. Birth: date. 514: This year came the West-Saxons into Britain, with three ships, at the place that is called Cerdic's-ore. And Stuf and Whitgar fought with the Britons and put them to flight. Our latest articles delivered to your inbox, once a week: Numerous educational institutions recommend us, including Oxford University and Michigan State University and University of Missouri. Drawing upon the earlier sources, historian George H. Townsend created his work The Manual of Dates in 1862 CE and, for 520 CE, wrote how Cerdic "fought the reknowned King Arthur." Ancient History Encyclopedia Limited is a non-profit company registered in the United Kingdom. Sign up for our free weekly email newsletter! Cerdic is described in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as a leader of the Anglo-Saxon settlement of Britain, being the founder and first king of Saxon Wessex, reigning from 519 to 534 AD. King Cerdic of Wessex about 467 - 534 (~ 67 years) Individual; Family/Spouse; Ancestors; Descendants; Relationship; Personal Information | All | PDF Cerdic King of the West Saxons King of the West Saxons was born about 467 TO ABT 495 in Ancient Saxony, Germany, son of Elesa and Unknown Wife. When King Cerdic Saxony was born on 2 May 0467, in Saxony, Prussia, Germany, his father, Elesa Sachsen (Of Saxony), was 28 and his mother, Isaive, was 17. Each author who addressed himself to the topic of Cerdic's life and reign seems to have had a particular agenda to advance (as was stated by Morris, above). Cerdic of Wessex (460-534) was King of Wessex from 519 to 534, preceding Cynric.Cerdic was a Saxon ruler, and he led an invasion of England in 495, establishing Anglo-Saxon rule in the country as the first ruler of Wessex.. At times its land extended north of the River Thames, and…. The earliest reference to Cerdic as the 1st King of Wessex is made in the Anglo Saxon Chronicles (which were written much later in the 9th century.) A Continental ealdorman who in 495 landed in Hampshire, Cerdic was attacked at once by the Britons. This information is part of by on Genealogy Online. This uniting was the most significant event of the early sixthcentur… He died about 534 in Wessex, England. The standard version of Cerdic's story that Morris refers to relates how Cerdic arrived in Hampshire in 495 CE with his son, Cynric, in five ships and instantly defeated the Welsh (or, alternately, the Britons). It seems unlikely, if Arthur had defeated Cerdic in 520 or 527 CE, that he would have then allowed him to continue ruling in Wessex, much less go on to conquer the Isle of Wight in his own name and for his own glory. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. After this victory, he established a home base in Wessex from which he campaigned further to establish the Kingdom of the West Saxons by 519 CE when he was crowned king. Updates? Death: date. The claim of a number of historians is that Cerdic was a British earl who was driven from the region and took refuge in Brittany from whence he later returned in 495 CE at the head of a Saxon force. Morris writes: A ruler with a British name, with no ancient tradition of English forebears or English descendants, is plainly British. Most of what is known about Cerdic comes from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. His origin, ethnicity, and even his very existence have been extensively disputed. Results 1-20 of 66,125 per page. Cerdic claimed a mythical descent from Woden. The Arthurian legend begins with the Welsh cleric Geoffrey of Monmouth... Cerdic of Wessex from the 2004 movie "King Arthur". 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