The region formerly comprised an independent kingdom. It was established in 630 by Iudhel ap Hywel who united the British kingdoms of Broerech and Dyfnaint Newydd, and who subsequently threw off the Frankish yoke after the death of King Dagobert at the Battle of Castras. Arvor later placed itself under Visigothic and West Roman protection, but was always allowed much more freedom than it had had under the Franks.