New research by UCL Archaeology South-East archaeologist suggests West Sussex in England successfully resisted Saxon rule for centuries longer than originally thought, and a kingdom existed there lost to history until now. Sussex’s Saxon Origins The origins of Sussex, England are complex. When the Roman legions departed Britain in AD 410 the islands fragmented into a patchwork of small warring kingdoms. During this period there was widespread conquest and occupation from overseas. In 491, the legendary Saxon warlord Ælle conquered the ancient fortress of Pevensey and slew its British rulers, creating ‘Sussex’ – the Kingdom of the South Saxons. The Saxons brought with them their pagan religion, which replaced the British Christianity that the Romans had introduced. It has long been assumed that Sussex was therefore pagan until the Saxon kingdoms were converted to Christianity in the seventh century. Sussex has been traditionally held to be the last Anglo-Saxon kingdom to be converted. Historical accounts tell us that Wilfrid, bishop of Northumbria, was responsible for Christianizing Sussex in 681. He is said to have baptized the Sussex King Æthelwealh and built a cathedral at Selsey, the site of the king’s residence. Read moreSection: NewsHistory & ArchaeologyRead Later