In the years that followed the pivotal 1066, when the Normans had firmly stamped their dominion upon the English landscape, their gaze, ever ambitious, turned westward to the rugged terrains of Wales. The mountains and valleys of this land, rife with its own history, culture, and fierce independent chieftains, beckoned as the next frontier.

The Norman advance into Wales, unlike the decisive conquest of England, was not spurred by a singular motive. Rather, it was a blend of territorial ambition, the desire to secure England's western flank, and the inexorable Norman spirit of adventure and dominion. Beginning in the late 1060s and intensifying through the 1080s, the Normans, under the aegis of William the Conqueror and his successors, embarked on a series of campaigns into Welsh territory.

Opposing the Norman incursion stood the proud Welsh princes and their warriors. Men like Rhys ap Tewdwr, Gruffudd ap Cynan, and many others, each lord of his realm, bound by the collective goal of resisting foreign dominion. The terrain of Wales, mountainous and often treacherous, became both a shield and a sword for the Welsh, offering natural fortifications and opportunities for guerrilla warfare against the invaders.

The Normans, adapting swiftly as they always did, initiated the construction of a string of fortresses, the most indomitable symbols of their power. Castles such as Chepstow and Cardiff sprouted from the Welsh soil, each a bastion of Norman authority. Yet, the conquest was neither swift nor complete. The Marcher Lords, Norman commanders granted lands on the English-Welsh frontier, such as Bernard de Neufmarché and Gilbert de Clare, led the charge, often acting with significant autonomy.

Over the decades, the rhythm of conflict followed a pattern of Norman advance, Welsh resistance, temporary treaties, and then resurgence of hostilities. In the years, particularly between 1081 and 1100, significant territories oscillated between Norman and Welsh control, with neither side achieving lasting dominion.

The outcome, as the 12th century dawned, was a patchwork of territories. The Normans controlled significant portions, particularly in the south and along the borderlands, yet the heart of Wales, its spirit and essence, remained untamed. The Welsh kingdoms, though battered, persisted with an indomitable spirit, ensuring that Wales never became just another Norman shire. The seeds of resistance sown during these incursions would germinate across centuries, bearing testament to the unyielding soul of Wales amidst the tempests of history.