European Kingdoms

Bro Erech (Broerec)

Situated nearest the Frankish border, Bro Erech (or Broërec) was the surviving portion of the Vannetais kingdom, once Cornouaille and Domnonia had become separate principalities in their own right. This shrunken Vannetais continued to bear that name until it was re-titled Bro Erech, the name deriving from Waroch (as Bro-Waroch), and is first mentioned in the Lives of the Saints. It is also mentioned by Gregory of Tours, who locates many of the events of his lifetime near Vannes, presumably an important site in Vannetais and named after the former (submerged) Vaneti tribe of the area.

All three Armorican principalities were apparently the equivalent of sub-kingdoms, under the authority of the king of Brittany. (St Brieuc in modern Brittany may be a survival of the Bro Erech name.)

c.490

The powerful Caradog Freichfras is king of Gwent in mid-south Wales, inheriting the throne through his father, Honorius Ynyr Gwent. Following his accession he sails across the Channel to found the kingdom of Bro Erech which forms the heartland of Vannetais and serves as its largest kingdom.

c.490 - c.520/40?

Caradog Freichfras

King of Gwent. Founded the kingdom.

The Kinoc of Geoffrey of Monmouth's History of the King's of Britain is probably identifiable with a Kinoc who succeeds St Padarn or Paternus, a bishop of the British Church in Wales in the mid-fifth century. Padarn is recalled to Brittany by 'Prince Caradoc' (seemingly Caradog Freichfras), to become bishop of Vannes, and Kinoc replaces him in his position in Wales.

c.550 - c.570

Canao / Chanao

Killed 3 brothers to secure kingdom. Macliau saved by St Felix.

560

The Frankish duke, Chramn of Aquitaine has several times risen in rebellion against his father, Chlothar I, but during his final rebellion he has to flee to Brittany and the court of Canao. His father pursues him, defeats the combined forces of Chramn and Canao, and Chramn is strangled and placed in a cottage which is then burned down.

c.570 - 577

Macliau

Brthr. Conomor Domnonia's friend. Killed by Tewdwr Cornouaille.

577

Jacob

Son of Macliau. Not crowned. Killed by Tewdwr of Cornouaille.

577 - after 594

Waroch

Second son of Macliau.

bef 594 - c.635?

Canao II

Son.

c.635

Upon the death of Gregory of Tours in 594, no more information on Bro Erech is available. It seems likely that the principality was merged with Domnonia under Judicaël, whose great grandmother seems to have been Triphine daughter of Waroch. Bro Erech would have been Judicaël's inheritance after the death of Canao II.