The Historic King Arthur
Authenticating the Celtic Hero of Post-Roman Britain
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About the Book
Who was King Arthur? How did the story originate? Through careful research of the many primary documents, a picture of the true Arthur can in fact be set down. He reached power shortly after the Romans evacuated Britain at the end of the fifth century and died at the Battle of Camlann. He became king at 15 under the name of Ambrosius Aurelianus and fought against the Saxons on the mainland as Riothamus, thus explaining the regeneration motif so closely tied to the mythical Arthur. This study reveals that the integrity and ideals central to Arthurian myth were very much a part of the real Arthur.
About the Author(s)
Bibliographic Details
Frank D. Reno
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 458
Bibliographic Info: 48 photos, maps, tables, appendices, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2007 [1996]
pISBN: 978-0-7864-3025-3
Imprint: McFarland
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments vi
List of Illustrations ix
List of Abbreviations of Works Cited in the Text xi
Preface 1
1. Introduction 5
2. The Ancient Manuscripts 19
3. The Cardinal and Ordinal Years for the Arthurian Chronology 66
4. Hillforts and Roman Roads 124
5. The Geography of Mount Badon 140
6. The Geography of Camlann 179
7. Other Sites: Camelot and Tintagel 202
8. The Isle of Avalon: Arthur’s Resting Place 221
9. Ambrosius Aurelianus: History and Tradition 263
10. Riothamus: The Briton from Across the Ocean 286
11. Arthur: Historical and Literary Data 293
12. The Phoenix Arises 326
Appendices 365
Glossary 371
Notes 385
Selected Bibliography 413
Index 421
Book Reviews & Awards
- “Very useful”—Reference & Research Book News
- “Well worth your while”—Critical Mass.