Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, King of Wales

Gruffudd ap Llywelyn was born around 1010, the son of Llywelyn ap Seisyll and Angharad ferch Maredudd. He became King of Gwynedd and Powys in 1039 after the death of Iago ab Idwal ap Meurig. Gruffudd established his authority by defeating a Mercian army at Rhyd y Groes and killing Edwin, brother of the Earl of Mercia. His reign included campaigns against Hywel ab Edwin, with a victory at the Battle of Pencader.

In 1044, Gruffudd defeated and killed Hywel ab Edwin, consolidating his power in the south. In 1047, Gruffudd ap Rhydderch expelled him from Deheubarth, leading Gruffudd ap Llywelyn to retaliate against the nobles of Ystrad Tywi. By 1052, he allied with Ælfgar of Mercia and attacked Herefordshire, defeating a Norman and Anglo-Saxon force at the Battle of Leominster.

In 1055, Gruffudd ap Llywelyn became the ruler of all Wales after killing Gruffudd ap Rhydderch and recapturing Deheubarth. He allied with Ælfgar and sacked Hereford, burning the city and destroying its castle. Gruffudd's reign over a united Wales lasted until 1063, during which time he maintained peace within the country and was recognized as the King of the Welsh.

Gruffudd ap Llywelyn died on 5 August 1063 in Snowdonia, reportedly killed by Cynan, the son of Iago. After his death, Wales was divided into separate kingdoms, with Bleddyn ap Cynfyn and Rhiwallon taking control of Gwynedd and Powys.