Vortigen

British High KingIn the early fifth century Britain was under attack not only from the Saxons na dother Germanic tribes but also from the Picts, Scots and Irish tribes.

The chief ruler, or high king, in Southern Britain was called Vortigen (his title not name). Vortigen hired Germanic mecenaries led by the bothers Hengist and Horsa, in the 440s, offering land in Kent in return for their services against the Northern raiders. Ambitious for more land however the brothers turned on the Britons. Though defeated by Vortigen's son, Vortimer (who was killed during the battle) in 460, they soon returned; Hengist and his son Aesc established the kingdom of Kent, the first anglo-saxon kingdom, after defeating the Britons in 473.