the Bretons used the Conan story as it appears in the Life of Saint Meriadoc to establish precedence for the Breton aristocracy over the kings of France. The story's political impact declined with the Union of Brittany and France in 1532, and it thereafter declined in popularity. However, in the 17th century the Rohans used their supposed descent from Conan Meriadoc to seek status as "foreign princes" at the French court; King Louis XIV recognised their pedigree, but denied their foreign status. Beginning in the mid-18th century Breton historians attempted to establish the historical existence of Conan, though he is now regarded as a mythical figure. See also Gradlon Ys Notes References 4th-century monarchs in Europe 4th-century rulers of Brittany 4th-century Welsh people 5th-century Welsh monarchs Kings of Brittany Medieval Breton people Monarchs of Dumnonia People whose existence is disputed