Conan Meriadoc, King of Dumnonia & Brittany
(Welsh, Cynan/Latin, Conanus/English, Conan)
Conan was the son of Octavius the Old's brother, Gerontius, (or Octavius himself according to the "Dream of Macsen Wledig") and had expected to inherit his uncle's kingdom. Originally, he was considerably put out by the rise to power of his cousin's husband, Magnus Maximus, and he organized a rebellion against him, aided by Picts & Scots.
However, being defeated, Conan became great friends with his rival and travelled with Maximus to the continent to help him become Emperor of the West. He was given Brittany as a reward for killing the previous holder of the title.
His new Kingdom, was well settled by his men-at-arms, however they lacked wives. Therefore, in order to populate the area, he sent to his uncle's old ally, King Donaut of Dumnonia for numerous Cornish ladies. Conan proposed to cement the alliance of their two peoples by marrying Donaut's daughter, Ursula. Though Dunaut was delighted at the match, Ursula had her heart set on a life devoted only to God. She agreed to the marriage, on the condition that she first be allowed to go on a pilgrimage throughout Europe. Conan appears to have joined her in Rome, where the two must have been married, probably by Pope Cyriacus himself. He apparently did not travel to Cologne where Ursula died.
In later years, he inherited Dumnonia from his father-in-law. Brittany & Dumnonia were united for only a short time, for, as his second wife, Conan married St. Patrick's sister, Dareca of Ireland, and he left one each of his Kingdoms to the sons of his two marriages. He probably died about 395.