Wikipedia:Today's featured article/March 1, 2013
Rhys ap Gruffydd (1132–97) ruled the kingdom of Deheubarth in south Wales and was one of the most successful and powerful Welsh princes. His grandfather, Rhys ap Tewdwr, was king of Deheubarth, but most of Deheubarth was taken over by the Normans after he was killed in 1093. Rhys's father, Gruffydd ap Rhys, became ruler of a small portion, and Rhys's brothers won back more territory. He became ruler of Deheubarth in 1155, but was forced to submit to King Henry II of England in 1158. Henry invaded in 1163 and took Rhys prisoner for a few weeks, leaving him only a small part of his holdings. Rhys made an alliance with Owain Gwynedd and after Henry's failed invasion of Wales in 1165 Rhys was able to win back most of his lands. In 1171 he made peace with Henry, but following Henry's death he revolted against Richard I and attacked the Norman lordships surrounding his territory. In his later years Rhys had trouble keeping control of his sons, particularly Maelgwn and Gruffydd, who maintained a feud with each other. Rhys launched his last campaign against the Normans in 1196 and captured a number of castles. The following year he died unexpectedly and was buried in St David's Cathedral. (Full article...)
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