Octa of Kent

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Octa or Octha (c. 500 - 543) was a king of Kent during the 6th century. Other sources claim that he died in 522. [1] He may have inherited the throne from his father, Oisc or he may have been the son of Hengist. Octa was baptized, and may have been the father of Eormenric or Oisc. The dates of his rule remain unclear:

• 512 to 534
• 516 to 540

[edit] Sources

The sources available in relation to Octa/Octha are sparse and contradictory.

• The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (compiled during the reign of Alfred the Great) makes no mention of anybody of the name Octa or Octha but names Oisc as the son of Hengist.

• Nennius states:

  "When Hengist was dead Octha, his son, passed over from the Northern part of Britain to the kingdom of the Kentishmen. Then Arthur fought against them in those days."

  This passage has been the source of much speculation that Octha may have lead the Anglo-Saxon forces at the Battle of Badon Hill.

• The Cotton Vespasian (9th Century) lists Hengist as father of Octha father of Oisc.

Octha was also known as "Octha of the Bloody Knife".

[edit] See also

• List of monarchs of Kent

Preceded by Oisc

King of Kent 512/516-534/540

Succeeded by Eormenric