The modern counties of Sussex were a kingdom in the Dark Ages. Traditionally, it  was settled by Saxons from North-West Germany. The name Sussex means 'Land of the South Saxons'. The first king was a man named Aelle. He lived in the late 5th century. The kings probably lived at Chichester. Their Royal monastery was possibly at Steyning. The kings often shared their kingdom between brothers or other relatives. Not much is known about the Sussex kings. The most famous was the first king, Aelle.