By 1200, the major figures of the 12th century Pura Wallia - Madog of Powys, Owain of Gwynedd and Rhys of Deheubarth - had died. Powys had been divided between two branches of its ruling family.

In the parts of Gwynedd seized by the king, royal officials proved oppressive. The Welsh lords of Deheubarth found they were enmeshed by the royal administration at Carmarthen and Cardigan.

Thus, Hywel ruled Dyfed and Seisyllwg and decided to combine them into one kingdom, Deheubarth. His cousin, Idwal Foel was ruler of Gwynedd until his death in battle in 942. Hywel invaded Gwynedd ...

Owain acceded the throne in 1137, sharing it with with Cadwaladr until 1143 when his brother was involved in the murder of a prince of Deheubarth. Owain ruled Gwynedd as a sole monarch ...