The Dark Ages

Vortigen British High King

In the early fifth century Britain was under attack not only from the Saxons and other 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 brothers Hengist and Horsa, in the 440's, offering land in Kent in return for their services against the Northern raiders.

Revolt of Hengist and Horsa

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.

Hengist and Horsa and their men were called 'Jutes' by the chronicler Bede. Their home was, however, probably not Jutland but the Rhineland, where they were closely related to the Angles and Saxons.

Celts defeat Jutes at Richborough

After the unsuccessful Vortigen, a new leader emerged, Ambrosius Aurelianus, identified with a Welsh hero Emrys. He may have replaced Vortigen as a kind of high king, uniting the Britons against the invaders. He is said to have been a great cavalry commander, who held back the Jutes and won victory over the Angles in 493.

Arthur Killed at battle of Camlann

Emry's successor (perhaps his son) is more famous, but as a mythical hero, not a historical figure. this was Arthur, said to have fought twelve battles against invaders throughout Britain, including his last and greatest in which the Saxon's were routed. Arthur's death, probably in a conflict with the Britons, left a divided people without a leader.