Gwent is a historical region located in southeastern Wales, bordered by the River Wye to the east, the River Usk to the west, and the Severn Estuary to the south. Gwent is a territory which comprises part of Glamorgan, Monmouthshire and parts of Herefordshire.
It was ruled at one time by Octavius, and later by Vortigern. Geoffrey calls it Merlin’s county, and says that Merlin lived there for a time at the fountain of Galabes.
It is thought to be identifiable with Glenvissig, the realm of Meurig, father of Athrwys.
Gwent | 0 to 700 AD
Gwent was part of the broader historical landscape of Wales. During the Roman occupation of Britain, which began in the first century AD, the region that would later become Gwent was under Roman control. Roman settlements, roads, and fortifications were established in the area. The Roman town of Caerwent (Venta Silurum) was an important administrative and trading center in the region.
The withdrawal of Roman forces from Britain in the early fifth century marked the beginning of a period of uncertainty and migration. In the fifth and sixth centuries, the region saw the emergence of several early Welsh kingdoms, including Gwent. These kingdoms were often in a state of flux and political change as local rulers vied for power and territory.
Gwent emerged as a distinct Welsh kingdom during this period, encompassing parts of southeastern Wales. It was ruled by local chieftains and dynasties. Gwent was one of several early medieval Welsh kingdoms that were characterized by tribal affiliations and kin-based societies.
The post-Roman period saw interactions and conflicts among the various Welsh kingdoms and with external powers, including the Anglo-Saxons to the east. The region’s strategic location, with access to waterways and trade routes, likely influenced its interactions with neighboring territories.
The spread of Christianity during this period had an impact on the region. Christian missionaries worked to convert the local population, and monastic communities may have been established.
See also
The Roman Empire | The Legend of King Arthur
Source
Historia Regum Britanniae | Geoffrey of Monmouth, c. 1138