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Real Arthur

King Arthur is a man of mystery and legend. His tales have been told and retold by numerous generations. He has fascinated countless storytellers, novelists, and screen writers alike. Did this man ever exist? Surely legends that have lasted so many centuries had to have had strong beginnings. The man called Arthur did exist, but there are those who debate the truth behind his legends. The real Arthur was not quite the romantic hero that he has come to represent, though a hero of the Britons he was. Still the legends have been supported again and again by the discoveries of various scholars. For instance, a body was discovered at Glastonbury, England, along with a memorial claiming it to be that of King Arthur, and a building has been identified as a possible Camelot, Arthur's home.

To understand the forces that were needed to create a legend as strong as that of King Arthur, one must first know the stories that continue to be retold even today.

The British Isles had been part of the Roman Empire since they were invaded and conquered in A.D. 45. Most Britons thought of themselves as full citizens of the Roman Empire. In fact, Rome so trusted the Britons loyalty that Britain was allowed to govern itself after A.D. 410.

In the fifth century, the Roman Empire was on the decline, and Rome was too worried with matters at home to be concerned with what was going on in the far reaches of the empire. Therefore when the Anglo-Saxons attacked Britain, the Britons had to fend for themselves.

When the Romans left, Britain was in near anarchy. This is the period of time which became known as the Dark Ages. Soon, though, government began to develop on the local level. Warrior kings came to power, ruling as much area as they were strong enough to control. Arthur was probably one of the warrior kings who led his armies in the counter thrust against the Anglo-Saxons.

The Anglo-Saxons had not been expecting the strength with which the British fought back. Until this...