The Historical King Arthur
The Arthur of legend may have his origins in an Arthur of historical fact. As yet, historians have no conclusive proof of who that man may have been or when or where he lived -- but scholarship is progressing. The directories and resources below will help you embark on your own search for the "real" King Arthur.
Was he a real historical figure or just a myth? Can we ever know? An introduction to the historicity of King Arthur, from your guide.
Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote a history of the kings of Britain that historicized the Arthur of legend. A brief bio and some useful resources from your guide in our Who's Who resource.
As the author of a treatise on The Ruin of Britain, Gildas may be considered the first British historian. Although his text doesn't mention Arthur, it is the earliest source we have for "Arthur's time." An introduction from your guide in our Who's Who resource.
Nennius is the earliest writer to mention Arthur by name in a historical chronicle. A brief biography in our Who's Who resource from your guide.
Your Guide's review of the Quest for King Arthur, a documentary from the History Channel.
Geoffrey Ashe's four-part article at Britannia Internet Magazine provides a basis for understanding the source of the Arthurian legend.
