The Gaels have been in Ireland for thousands of years, and had never broken to invaders. During the Roman Era in British History, the Gaels never thought of conquering the Roman lands as they were much stronger than them. After the Roman Empire collapsed, the Gaels, along with the Picts, invaded England with an intent to conquer. They and the Picts were stopped by Anglo-Saxon mercenaries, hired by King Vortigern to stop the invasions. Although prevented in conquering England, the Gaels did not stop their attacks on Great Britian. One group, the Godiels, pushed their way into Scotland and merged with the Picts, creating the Kingdom of Alban.