Vortigern: The Controversial King of Post-Roman Britain

Vortigern, a key figure in post-Roman Britain, is remembered for his controversial reign and his role in inviting Saxons to Britain.

By History Affairs Project

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Vortigern was a historical figure in Britain during the 5th century.Following the departure of the Romans from Britain in 409, the country faced a significant turning point. With the absence of Roman influence, the Britons had to navigate crucial choices that would shape the future of the island.

Historical sources indicate that a figure named Vortigern rose to prominence as a leader of the Britons shortly after the Roman exit. Medieval accounts depict him as a ruler characterized by foolishness and malevolence.

Vortigern: An Overview

Vortigern was a historical figure in Britain during the 5th century.The 10th-century folio of De Excidio et Conquestu Britanniae depicts how British leader Vortigern hired Anglo-Saxon mercenaries to defend against Picts and Scots. In exchange, the mercenaries were promised land and resources. However, this plan backfired as the Anglo-Saxons eventually turned against the Britons, leading to the conquest of more territory and the establishment of England. Vortigern played a significant role in shaping Britain’s history.

Gildas, in his 6th-century work De Excidio, described Vortigern as a proud and unlucky tyrant. While some manuscripts omit his name, later versions like Bede’s account in the 8th century do mention Vortigern. Vortigern likely held a high position of authority, possibly ruling over a large part of former Roman Britain during a time when usurping emperors were emerging.

Although it is unclear if Vortigern was directly involved in driving out Constantine III’s administration in 409, his role in post-Roman Britain suggests he held significant power. Gildas would have mentioned any involvement in such events, indicating that Vortigern’s influence was notable during the period after Britain’s separation from the Roman Empire.

According to later legendary accounts, Vortigern was said to have been an advisor to the king who assumed power immediately after the Romans left Britain. While there is no direct historical evidence to support this claim, it is a plausible theory that aligns with the known facts. Since Gildas does not mention Vortigern playing a role in expelling the Romans, it is likely that he succeeded the individual responsible for that act. Considering Vortigern’s position in the early 5th century, it is reasonable to assume that he followed shortly after the original usurper. Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest that Vortigern could have been the successor of the leader who drove out the Romans from Britain, as later legends suggest.

What Was the Reign of Vortigern?

The reign of Vortigern began before the arrival of Germanic mercenaries in Britain, which is estimated to have occurred around 430 based on archaeological evidence and historical sources like the Gallic Chronicle of 452 and the Life of St Germanus from the 5th century. The Historia Brittonum from the 9th century suggests that Anglo-Saxons arrived in 428, supporting the earlier timeline.

It is likely that Vortigern’s reign started before 430 and possibly as early as 428, according to the Historia Brittonum which states it began in 425. This date aligns with the narrative in the same source about Constantius, who was possibly a new high king after the Romans left in 409, being murdered after ruling for 16 years, leading to Vortigern seizing power in 425. The accounts of Constantius’ murder and Vortigern’s involvement may stem from the same event, where Constantius, the usurper who expelled the Roman administration, was killed by Vortigern to take control.

The Family of Vortigern

The Vitalianus Stone, located in St Brynachs Church in Nevern, Wales, dates back to the 5th century and is believed to be a dedication to Vortigern’s grandfather, Vitalianus. The earliest information about Vortigern’s family can be found in the 9th-century Historia Brittonum, which lists his immediate ancestors, wife, sons, and later descendants. While the accuracy of this information is uncertain, it remains valuable as the earliest known source on Vortigern’s lineage. According to the Historia Brittonum, Vortigern’s father was named Vitalis, who was the son of Vitalinus.

Vortigern’s son, Vortimer, gained fame for his battles against the Anglo-Saxons who had turned against the Britons. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle from the 10th century records four significant battles between Vortimer and the Saxons. Another son of Vortigern mentioned in the Historia Brittonum is Catigern, but it is unclear which side he fought on. Vortigern himself is depicted as trying to appease the Germanic army while Vortimer fought bravely. After Vortimer’s death, Vortigern continued his rule.

According to the Historia Brittonum, Vortigern married the daughter of the main Anglo-Saxon king, later known as Rowena in subsequent records. While there is no earlier confirmation of this marriage, such alliances were common in the ancient and medieval periods.

Vortigern’s Death Date

The Book of Hours illustration depicts Germain of Paris, created by Jean le Tavernier in the 15th century. According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Vortimer’s death at the Battle of Crayford occurred in 457. Despite this, Vortigern continued to rule for some time after. His death is placed well after 457 according to the Historia Brittonum.

Following a treacherous attack on British kings by Saxons, the Britons appointed Germanus as their leader against the Saxons. This Germanus, who killed Vortigern, cannot be the famous Germanus of Auxerre who died in 547. Instead, it is believed to be Germanus, a disciple of Saint Patrick, who was active in the mid-to-late 5th century.

Another source claims that Ambrosius Aurelianus also pursued and killed Vortigern. Bede suggests that Ambrosius’ military career began in the 470s at the earliest. Whether it was Ambrosius or Germanus who killed Vortigern, or possibly both, his death occurred in the second half of the 5th century. A plausible date for his death is in the 470s considering he likely became king around 425 and would have been at least 25 years old at that time.

Facts About Vortigern

Our knowledge of Vortigern from historical sources is quite limited. What we can confidently state is that he was a powerful ruler during the Post-Roman Era who facilitated the settlement of Anglo-Saxon mercenaries in Britain. It is highly probable that he succeeded the usurper who expelled Roman rule from Britain in 409, beginning his reign around 425 and inviting the Saxons shortly thereafter.

While it remains uncertain if Vortigern was his actual name, later accounts unanimously refer to him as such. He had multiple sons, with his eldest, Vortimer, engaging in fierce battles against the Saxons. Following Vortimer’s death, Vortigern continued efforts to pacify the Saxons. Although the legendary marriage alliance with the daughter of a Saxon leader lacks historical confirmation, it aligns with the expected narrative. Ultimately, Vortigern’s rule ended when he was pursued and likely killed by Germanus, Ambrosius, or both, around the 470s.