26 ROGER OP ΛΤΕΧΟΟνΕΕ. [A.D. 494. How king Ella look Andred-ceaster. In the year of grace 492, Ella, who had taken possession of the country of the South-Saxons, as has been said before, came over from Germany with reinforcements, which emboldened him to lay siege to the strong city of Andredceaster; on hearing which, the Britons assembled like swarms of bees, and while the Saxons were pressing on the siege, they attacked them in the rear, and dreadfully annoyed them with their arrows. Quitting, therefore, the city, the pagans directed their efforts against the assailants ; but the Britons sought refuge in the woods, and as often as the pagans renewed the siege, they returned again to the same harassing warfare ; insomuch that the Saxons were greatly distressed, and suffered no small loss. At length, dividing their army into two parts, they left one to carry on the siege, and directed the other against the Britons. The citizens, distressed by famine, could no longer endure the weight of the assault. They were all put to the sword, and their town totally destroyed by the enemy. Its desolate site is still pointed out to the traveller. Ella and his three sons remained in that district, which they proceeded to cultivate. It is called to this day, in English, " Sussex," or the country of the South-Saxons. In the year of grace 493, Anastasius succeeded to the Roman empire, and reigned twenty-five years. He began to reign in the year in which Zeno died, five thousand nine hundred and eighty-nine from the creation, according to the Romans ; but, by the Alexandrian computation, five thousand nine hundred and eighty-three. Ceràie, the first king of the West-Saxon*, arrives in Britain, In the year of grace 494, Gelasius filled the Roman see four years, eight months, and nineteen days. A t this time Cerdic and his son Kineric arrived in Britain with five ships, and landed at a spot which was afterwards called " Cerdicshore," or the port of Cerdic. They were attacked the same day by a great multitude of the people of the country, and an obstinate engagement ensued. The Saxons manfully maintained their position before their ships, until night put an end to the conflict. Finding the Saxons so resolute, the Britons retired, and the Saxons began by degrees to extend their