Legend
A Story by Dr. Tim Williams
the life of king Arthur
Legend or Myth? The answer to one of histories most perplexing adventures. Did King Arthur really exist or was it a fable spun from the imagination of men made from the conquests of other authenticated nobles thought-out the history of Great Britain? The Ark of The Covenant, The Holy Grail and Excalibur are all histories most elusive treasures and artifacts. It is Excalibur that has been mostly considered to be more of a myth than a legend. That is, until recently the answer to one of histories other most elusive artifacts might just be proven authentic. Quite profound, the finding of what is now thought to be the original Round Table used by King Arthur was discovered this past spring near Chester a town founded as a fort by the Romans in 79 AD near the Welsh border. Historians and scientists are more inclined now than ever to suggest that the legend of King Arthur was not just a myth fueled by stories handed down through history but an authentic King who gained the sovereignty of all England at the time when the Saxons, the Angles, and the Jutes all were warring factions trying to gain supremacy over each other.
The history of Britain goes back to ancient times. It wasn't until the Roman empire sought to expand their territory and settled in what is today known as Great Britain that this colonization by the Romans lasted some 400 years. It is when the Romans left England that a period of uncertainty began. This is because the Saxons, the Celts, the Angles and the Jutes were all trying to conquer each other. The continuing onslaught of tribal wars between these sects continued to bring death and destruction to most of England up till the first part of the 5th century. Around the 4th century Rome had ceased to be a major factor in the governance of Great Britain consequently leaving the country so divided that peace between the Saxons and the Angles was all but impossible. Thus begins the Legend.
The spring of 2010 brought new real evidence that the Legend could now be authenticated by supportive evidence that was unearthed near Chester, a section in England where the Romans built a huge amphitheater. With walls as high as 40 feet this was used by Arthur as the base for his encampment. The round table is inside this Amphitheater which actually is large enough around to hold over 1000 knights. The Amphitheater itself is so large that more than 10,000 people could find shelter and safety from the invading Saxons. Scientists now believe that instead of building a Camelot that Arthur actually capitalized on this site and re-fortified this structure for his base of operations and his reign.
Recorded history up until the 7th century is very vague but now scholars all agree that between the years of 499 AD and 537 AD was a period of relative peace in Britain. About 500 AD the Saxons advance in Southern Britain had reached the boarders of Salisbury Plain. The battle of Badon in 500 AD was the decisive one that stopped the advance of the Saxons and began that period of peace known as the Arthurian Renaissance. This peace was to last till 537 AD. There is conclusive evidence that the Saxons up until 499 AD continually invaded British villages but after 500 AD until 537 AD there was no evidence to support that the Saxons continued invading. Thus a renewed effort to support that King Arthur really existed, brought peace and united Great Britain for a period of about 40 years is now becoming a reality.
Around 536 AD Arthur was in France when he heard that Modred, his nephew, whom he had entrusted to rule England in his absence was plotting to gain control of Britain for himself left his campaign of invading Europe and went back to England to stop the issuing rebellion led by Modred. In 537 AD the battle of Camlann was fought leaving Arthur mortally wounded. His last command to his only survivor of this battle was to through his sword Excalibur into the river Camblann. Today that river is called the River Carmel located in northeast Corwall. With Arthur's passing, the crown was given to Constantine and the short period of peace in Great Britain came to a very violent end.
Excalibur may never be found. But it's rightful place in history as an instrument of righteous honor and a symbol of sovereignty of a people can't be denied.
| | | | |
© 2017 Dr. Tim Williams
|
|
Stats
286 Views
Shelved in 1 Library
Added on January 18, 2017
Last Updated on January 18, 2017
Tags: England, history
Author
Dr. Tim WilliamsTampa, FL
About
A feature writer for the Tampa Bay Examiner. Founded the Department of Economic Development for the cities of Salem and Brockton, Mass. more..
Writing
|