Cantref Mawr was acantref in southwestWales. It was of strategic importance in medieval Wales as the location of the main seat of the princes ofDeheubarth atDinefwr.
Cantref Mawr means "The Great Cantref". Each cantref in medieval Wales was divided intocwmwdau, and a typical cantref would be made up of two or threecwmwd. Cantref Mawr was made up of sevencwmwdau, which made it one of the largest cantrefs in Wales. Cantref Mawr was an upland area, bounded by the riversTywi,Teifi andGwili. The area at this period was covered in dense scrub which caused difficulties for invading armies, so that the Cantref Mawr often provided a secure refuge for the princes of Deheubarth when facing an invasion.
Lloyd, J.E. (1911)The history of Wales from the earliest times to the Edwardian conquest (Longman, Green & Co.)
