Romance-of-Arthur-LatinChronicles

Page 2: Arthur in the Latin Chronicles

Historical Context

The legend of King Arthur is believed to have historical foundations related to the sociopolitical landscape of Roman Britain and the invasions from Germanic tribes, which marked a pivotal turn in British history. The historical figure of Artorius, as mentioned in various Latin histories, is often associated with the collapse of the Roman Empire in the West around the 5th century, coupled with the chaos brought on by subsequent invasions from tribes including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes.

• The Romans originally conquered Britain in A.D. 43, a conquest that not only facilitated the spread of Roman governance but also introduced Roman culture, infrastructure, and Christianity to the indigenous Britons.

• However, with the withdrawal of Roman legions around 410 A.D., the Britons were left vulnerable, unprepared to fend off the mounting threats posed by insular tribes such as the Picts and Scots, as well as the invading Germanic tribes, which led to a significant power vacuum and social upheaval in the region.

Gildas' Account

Gildas, a British monk writing around 547 A.D., authored the influential work On the Downfall and Conquest of Britain, where he meticulously documented the tumultuous events of this period.

• In his account, Gildas described the political machinations of Vortigern, a figure who allied with the Saxons to counteract insular adversaries, ultimately leading to the downfall and conquest of British territories.

• This alliance resulted in a mass displacement of local populations, driving many survivors into remote, less accessible regions such as present-day Wales and Cornwall.

• Gildas depicted a leader known as Ambrosius Aurelianus as a key figure who emerged as a unifying force for the Britons, rallying them against the influx of Saxons following a series of catastrophic defeats.

Page 3: Ambrosius Aurelianus & Battles

Survival and Resistance

Ambrosius Aurelianus emerged as a central figure in the resistance against Saxon invaders, leading a formidable revolt against their advancements into British territories. Gildas mentions several critical battles, most notably a significant confrontation at Mount Badon, where details remain scant but are consequential in the evolving narrative.

Bede's Contribution

The Venerable Bede, a notable historian and ecclesiastic writing between 673 and 735 A.D., reiterated and expanded upon Gildas’s accounts in his seminal work, Ecclesiastical History of the English Nation.

• Bede emphasized the military leadership of Ambrosius in guiding the Britons towards victory against their Saxon adversaries, particularly noting the crucial engagements around 493 A.D. that showcased British resilience.

Page 4: The Legend of Arthur

Nennius' Account

Nennius, in his work Historia Brittonum around 800 A.D., is credited as the first to mention Arthur by name, suggesting significant reliance on earlier Welsh sources and oral traditions.

• Within his narrative, Arthur is depicted as a heroic figure, engaging in twelve notable battles, including a decisive victory at Mount Badon, which contributed to the emerging mythos surrounding him.

• The narrative begins to incorporate mystical elements, foreshadowing Arthur’s transformation from a historical figure to a legendary hero.

Page 5: Iconic Battles and Folklore

Arthur's Twelve Battles

Nennius provides detailed locations for Arthur's legendary battles, emphasizing sites such as the River Glein, River Bassas, City of the Legion, and Mount Badon. Scribes in subsequent centuries began to intertwine Arthur’s name with valor, chivalric ideals, and miraculous events, which entrenched his status in the cultural imagination of the time.

Fables and Strange Events

Nennius narrates various fables associated with Arthur, including a wonder surrounding a stone heap, which became emblematic of the extraordinary feats attributed to him, signifying the growing mythos that enveloped his character.

Page 6: Chronological Accounts and Arthur's Fate

Annals of Cambria

The Annals of Cambria chronicles key battles attributed to Arthur, notably his fateful confrontation at Camlann, alongside the infamous Medraut, also known as Mordred, which foreshadows Arthur's tragic end.

The Legend of St. Goeznovius

The legend further discusses Arthur’s status transcending mere mortal achievements, positing him as a hero who navigates the realms of life and death, linking him to broader British lore, encompassing both historical and mythical elements.

Page 7: Development of Arthurian Legend

William of Malmesbury

William of Malmesbury, in his Deeds of the English Kings written circa 1125, reflects on Arthur’s actions, portraying him as a historical messianic figure, enduring and revered.

Geoffrey of Monmouth

Geoffrey of Monmouth is crucial in blending history with myth in History of the Kings of Britain, painting Arthur's narrative with strokes of tragedy, depicting his posthumous misfortunes, his body’s discovery, connections to Avalon, and his ties to the sacred, further solidifying his legendary status.

Giraldius Cambrensis

Giraldius Cambrensis elaborates on the discovery of Arthur’s remains in Glastonbury, adding dimensions to his persona as a legendary ruler and intertwining elements of the supernatural, demonstrating the evolution of the Arthurian legend from historical roots to a tapestry of folklore and myth.