Background
He was elder son of Gruffydd Maelor and his wife, Angharad, a daughter of Owain Gwynedd. He succeeded his father jointly with his brother, Owen in 1191 and on Owen"s death in 1197 became the sole ruler of Powys north of the River Rhaeadr and the Afon Tanat. Madog consolidated the possessions of his father, Gruffudd Maelor, and the territory he ruled became known as Powys Fadog in his honour, the remainder of the old kingdom formed Powys Wenwynwyn.
