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King Arthur is an important figure in the mythology of Britain. He is the central character in Arthurian legends (known as the Matter of Britain), although there is disagreement about whether Arthur, or a model for him, ever actually existed and in the earliest mentions and Welsh texts he is never given the title "king". Early texts refer to him as dux bellorum ("leader of wars") and High Medieval Welsh texts often call him amerauder ("emperor").
1 The Arthur of history
- Main article: Historical basis for King Arthur
One school of thought believes Arthur to have lived some time in the late 5th century to early 6th century, to have been of Romano-British origin, and to have fought against the Saxons. His power base was probably in either Wales, Cornwall or the west of what would become England, but controversy over the centre of his power and the extent and kind of power he wielded continues to rage.
Some members of this school, most notably Geoffrey Ashe and Fleuriot, have argued for identifying Arthur with one Riothamus, "King of the Brettones", who was active during the reign of the Roman EmperorRoman Emperor is the title historians use to refer to the ruler of the Roman Empire. It was not actually used, and there was never actually any single office corresponding to it. Rather, the title "Roman Emperor" is a convenient shorthand for a complicate AnthemiusAnthemius was West Roman Emperor ( April 12, 467 to July 11, 472). Perhaps the last individual with any ability to hold this office, Anthemius attempted to solve the two primary military challenges facing the remains of the Empire in the West: the resurge. Unfortunately, Riothamus is a shadowy figure of whom we know little, and scholars are not certain whether the "Brettones" he led were Britons or BretonsArmorica or Aremorica is the name given in ancient times to the part of Gaul that includes the Brittany peninsula and the territory between the Seine and Loire rivers inland to an indeterminate point. Pliny the Elder, in his Natural History (2. 105), clai.
Other members suggest that Arthur should be identified as one Lucius Artorius CastusLucius Artorius Castus (fl. 2nd century AD) was a military commander of ancient Rome, suggested by some as the historical basis for King Arthur, and depicted as such in the 2004 movie King Arthur''. What we know of Castus comes from inscriptions on fragme, a historical Roman of the 2nd century1st century 2nd century 3rd century other centuries) Events Roman Empire governed by the Five Good Emperors' ( 96 180) Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius. Significant persons Cai Lun, Chinese inventor Galen, medical writer Saint Irena, whose military exploits in Britain may have been remembered for years afterward.
Another school of thought believes that Arthur is at best a half-forgotten Celtic deity devolved into a personage (citing sometimes a supposed change of the sea-god LirIn Celtic mythology, Lir ("the sea") was the god of the sea, father of Manannan mac Lir, Bran, Branwen and Manawydan by Penarddun and a son of Danu and Beli. He was held captive by Eurosswydd until Penarddun slept with him, giving birth to twins, Nisien a into King LearFool in the Storm" by William Dyce ( 1806- 1864) King Lear is generally regarded as one of William Shakespeare's greatest tragedies. It is believed to have been written in 1605 and is based on the legend of Llyr, a king of pre- Roman Britain. His story ha) or a possibly fictive person like Beowulf.
Subscribers to this school of thought argue that another Roman Briton of this period, for example Ambrosius Aurelianus, led the forces battling the Saxons at the battle of Mons Badonicus.
