King Arthur

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King Arthur and The Dark Ages
2

• You will be taking notes today.
• Get out a piece of paper and a
• pencil.
• You have 100 minute.

3
King Arthur and The Dark Ages
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To better understand the story of King Arthur,
and to better appreciate the literature that
surrounds him in this mythology, you need to
understand a basic timeline of world history and
world events around the time that the legends of
King Arthur took place.
5
What is a timeline?
6
What is a timeline?
A representation or exhibit of key events within
a particular historical period, often consisting
of illustrative visual material accompanied by
written commentary, arranged chronologically.
7
Heres an example of a timeline for the iPhone
8
Heres an example of a timeline for LEGO
9
Heres an example of a timeline for Sony
Trinitron
10
Heres an example of a vertical timeline for the
University of Pennsylvania Law School
11
You will be creating a timeline.
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You will be creating a timeline.

• This timeline will not be due for
• several weeks. I will establish a
• due date shortly.
• You need to take notes in class
• to gather the information you will
• need to create your timeline.

13
Timeline

• On the following slides, you will
• read newspaper articles based
• on historic events in history.
• These events will contain the
• information you will need to
• create your timeline.

14
Timeline

• Each newspaper article will show
• the year of the event. Write down
• this date.
• Copy the newspaper article, word
• for word, as quickly as possible.
• Your time will be limited.

15
Timeline

• These articles will contain the
• information you will need to
• create your timeline.
• Specific words, phrases, and
• names are important and will
• give you clues for your timeline.

16
Timeline

• When you see the word circa
• next to a date in history, it means
• approximately or around.
• Remember the following events are important in
  establishing the story of King Arthur.

17
A.D. or C.E. ???
The initials A.D. (used with or without periods)
is an abbreviation for the Latin term "Anno
Domini", which translates to "the Year of Our
Lord," referring to years after the birth of
Jesus Christ. This is the modern calendar that
most of the west uses (in fact, most of the
world). Because the term is specific to the
Christian religion, however, some scholars prefer
to use "C.E." instead, which means "the Common
Era. Since the legend of King Arthur is thick
with the religion of Christianity, I will use the
term AD.
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Newspaper Article 1
19
Olden Times
Circa 32 AD
The Worlds Oldest Newspaper
Jesus of Nazareth Crucified!
clothes as he died on the cross. Many were on
hand to witness this weeks crucifixions. Jesus
mother, Mary, was seen in the crowd along with a
few of Jesus disciples, most notably the
wealthy, Sanhedrin judge, Joseph of Arimathea.
When Jesus died, a soldier punctured his side
with a spear and it was rumored that Joseph of
Arimathea was seen running forward to capture the
dripping blood with a wooden cup. Hours later,
following an earthquake, Joseph of Arimathea
asked Pilate if he could remove Jesus from the
cross and take the body to bury him in a tomb
that he had already prepared. Pilate consented
and released Jesus dead body into Josephs care.
Golgatha, Jerusalem Reporting Matthew,
Disciple Associated Press Roman government
officials sentenced Jesus of Nazareth to die by
crucifixion yesterday, claiming they have no
king but Caesar. Hours after being severely
beaten with whips, Jesus was seen dragging a
heavy wooden cross up to Golgatha hill, known as
the Place of the Skull. He was then nailed to
his cross and raised up for all to see. On
either side of him, were two robbers being
crucified as well. Eyewitnesses claim soldiers
fought over Jesus
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Golgatha Place of the Skull
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Golgatha Place of the Skull Crucifixion Site
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Golgatha Place of the Skull Skull Face
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Golgatha Place of the Skull Skull Face
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Golgatha Place of the Skull Jerusalem
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Golgatha Place of the Skull The
Face Eyes Nose Mouth
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Golgatha Place of the Skull
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Golgatha Place of the Skull
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Golgatha Place of the Skull
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Olden Times
Circa 32 AD
The Worlds Oldest Newspaper
Jesus of Nazareth Crucified!
clothes as he died on the cross. Many were on
hand to witness this weeks crucifixions. Jesus
mother, Mary, was seen in the crowd along with a
few of Jesus disciples, most notably the
wealthy, Sanhedrin judge, Joseph of Arimathea.
When Jesus died, a soldier punctured his side
with a spear and it was rumored that Joseph of
Arimathea was seen running forward to capture the
dripping blood with a wooden cup. Hours later,
following an earthquake, Joseph of Arimathea
asked Pilate if he could remove Jesus from the
cross and take the body to bury him in a tomb
that he had already prepared. Pilate consented
and released Jesus dead body into Josephs care.
Golgatha, Jerusalem Reporting Matthew,
Disciple Associated Press Roman government
officials sentenced Jesus of Nazareth to die by
crucifixion yesterday, claiming they have no
king but Caesar. Hours after being severely
beaten with whips, Jesus was seen dragging a
heavy wooden cross up to Golgatha hill, known as
the Place of the Skull. He was then nailed to
his cross and raised up for all to see. On
either side of him, were two robbers being
crucified as well. Eyewitnesses claim soldiers
fought over Jesus
30
Newspaper Article 2
31
THE
GUARDIAN
Circa 33 AD
HOME OF GREAT BRITAINS NEWS AND GOSSIP FOR 2000
YEARS
Christianity comes to Britain!!
Traveling with Joseph and the disciples are two
friends of Jesus Lazarus (he died and Jesus
brought him back to life) and Mary Magdalene. It
is reported that Mary stopped traveling with the
troupe and is currently staying in
Marseilles. Local legend has it that Joseph
sailed around Land's End and ran his boat ashore
in the Glastonbury Marshes and, together with his
followers, he climbed a nearby hill to survey the
surrounding land. Having brought with him a staff
grown from Christ's Holy Crown of Thorns, he
thrust it into the ground and announced that he
and his twelve companions were "Weary All". The
thorn staff immediately took miraculous root, and
it can be seen growing there on that hill.
Glastonbury, Great Britain Reporting Saint
Gildus, British Cleric Associated Press Joseph of
Arimathea has arrived on the shores of Britain
guarding a wooden cup. Rumors are circulating
around the countryside with wild claims that the
wooden cup, being called the Holy Grail,
contains the blood and sweat of recently
crucified Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Joseph has
been traveling to the most far-flung corners of
the Roman Empire, including Gaul (France) and the
Island of Britain to preach Christianity. He is
accompanied by thirteen travelers, eleven of them
also disciples of Jesus.
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Joseph of Arimathea Stained-glass window In
Glastonbury Abbey
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Joseph of Arimathea
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Joseph of Arimathea Pictured
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• Joseph of Arimathea
• Pictured
• Joseph planting Christs
• Holy Crown of Thorns
• at Wearyall Hill

36

• Joseph of Arimathea
• Pictured
• Joseph planting Christs
• Holy Crown of Thorns
• at Wearyall Hill
• 2. The Holy Grail

37

• Joseph of Arimathea
• Pictured
• Joseph planting Christs
• Holy Crown of Thorns
• at Wearyall Hill
• 2. The Holy Grail
• 3. Glastonbury Tor
• (tor means rocky hill)

38

• Joseph of Arimathea
• Pictured
• Joseph planting Christs
• Holy Crown of Thorns
• at Wearyall Hill
• 2. The Holy Grail
• 3. Glastonbury Tor
• (tor means rocky hill)
• 4. St. Michaels Tower

39

• Joseph of Arimathea
• Pictured
• Joseph planting Christs
• Holy Crown of Thorns
• at Wearyall Hill
• 2. The Holy Grail
• 3. Glastonbury Tor
• (tor means rocky hill)
• 4. St. Michaels Tower
• 5. Glastonbury Abbey

40
(No Transcript)
41
Thorn tree at Wearyall Hill. This thorn tree was
planted by Joseph of Arimathea using Christs
Holy Crown of Thorns. Glastonbury Tor can be
seen in the distance.
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Thorn tree at Wearyall Hill. Glastonbury Tor can
be seen in the distance.
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Thorn tree at Wearyall Hill.
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Glastonbury Tor with St. Michaels Tower at the
top. Glastonbury is the site of the legendary
Avalon.
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Glastonbury Tor
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Glastonbury Tor with St. Michaels Tower at the
top.
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Glastonbury Tor with St. Michaels Tower at the
top.
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View from the top of Glastonbury Tor.
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Glastonbury Tor with St. Michaels Tower at the
top.
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Glastonbury Tor seen through the mist.. (the
mists of Avalon)
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Glastonbury Tor with St. Michaels Tower at the
top.
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Glastonbury Tor with St. Michaels Tower at the
top.
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Glastonbury, England
54
THE
GUARDIAN
Circa 33 AD
HOME OF GREAT BRITAINS NEWS AND GOSSIP FOR 2000
YEARS
Christianity comes to Britain!!
Traveling with Joseph and the disciples are two
friends of Jesus Lazarus (he died and Jesus
brought him back to life) and Mary Magdalene. It
is reported that Mary stopped traveling with the
troupe and is currently staying in
Marseilles. Local legend has it that Joseph
sailed around Land's End and ran his boat ashore
in the Glastonbury Marshes and, together with his
followers, he climbed a nearby hill to survey the
surrounding land. Having brought with him a staff
grown from Christ's Holy Crown of Thorns, he
thrust it into the ground and announced that he
and his twelve companions were "Weary All". The
thorn staff immediately took miraculous root, and
it can be seen growing there on that hill.
Glastonbury, Great Britain Reporting Saint
Gildus, British Cleric Associated Press Joseph of
Arimathea has arrived on the shores of Britain
guarding a wooden cup. Rumors are circulating
around the countryside with wild claims that the
wooden cup, being called the Holy Grail,
contains the blood and sweat of recently
crucified Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Joseph has
been traveling to the most far-flung corners of
the Roman Empire, including Gaul (France) and the
Island of Britain to preach Christianity. He is
accompanied by thirteen travelers, eleven of them
also disciples of Jesus.
55
Newspaper Article 3
56
Olden Times
184 AD
The Worlds Oldest Newspaper
Arthurs Mistaken Identity?
similar traditions about "King Arthur," and,
further, that the name "Artorius" became a title,
or honorific, which was ascribed to a famous
warrior in the fifth century.
Leicester, Great Britain Reporting Geoffrey of
Monmouth, Historian and Monk Associated
Press Lucius Artorius Castus, commander of a
detachment of Sarmatian conscripts stationed in
Britain, led his troops to Gaul (France) to quell
a rebellion. This is the first appearance of the
name, Artorius, in history and some believe that
this Roman military man is the original, or
basis, for the Arthurian legend. The theory says
that Castus' exploits in Gaul, at the head of a
contingent of mounted troops, are the basis for
later,
57
2004 Disney movie based on Lucious Artorius
Castus and his military and political exploits
in Britain and Gaul. Was a Roman soldier really
the real King Arthur? Or, is it a case of
mistaken identity?
58
2004 Disney movie based on Lucious Artorius
Castus and his military and political exploits
in Britain and Gaul. Was a Roman soldier really
the real King Arthur? Or, is it a case of
mistaken identity?
59
(No Transcript)
60
Olden Times
184 AD
The Worlds Oldest Newspaper
Arthurs Mistaken Identity?
similar traditions about "King Arthur," and,
further, that the name "Artorius" became a title,
or honorific, which was ascribed to a famous
warrior in the fifth century.
Leicester, Great Britain Reporting Geoffrey of
Monmouth, Historian and Monk Associated
Press Lucius Artorius Castus, commander of a
detachment of Sarmatian conscripts stationed in
Britain, led his troops to Gaul (France) to quell
a rebellion. This is the first appearance of the
name, Artorius, in history and some believe that
this Roman military man is the original, or
basis, for the Arthurian legend. The theory says
that Castus' exploits in Gaul, at the head of a
contingent of mounted troops, are the basis for
later,
61
Newspaper Article 4
62
THE CAESARIAN
388 AD
Spilling the guts of the news for over 200 years!
MAXIMUS LOSES HIS HEAD!!
ROME, ITALY Reporting Geoffrey of
Monmouth, Historian and Monk Associated
Press Five years ago, upstart general Magnus
Maximus (Macsen Wledig), a Spaniard, was
proclaimed Emperor in Britain by the island's
Roman garrison. With an army of British
volunteers, he quickly conquered Gaul, Spain and
Italy, sweeping across the land like a horde of
locusts. So, whats next for this young Emperor?
Last week, Maximus briefly occupied Rome itself!
But, in a gruesome clash of mighty warriors,
Theodosius , the eastern Emperor, defeated
Maximus in battle and beheaded him. Many of the
remnant of Maximus' troops are rumored to be
settling in Armorica. Besides losing a great
leader and warrior, Britain has weakened their
country to attack by losing many valuable troops
needed for the island's defense.
63
Newspaper Article 5
64
THE CAESARIAN
395 AD
Spilling the guts of the news for over 200 years!
THEODOSIUS THE GREAT DIES!
The Roman Empire will now be ruled by both of
Theodosius sons. Arcadius, the older of the
two sons, will take control and rule as emperor
in the East, and Theodosius other son, the young
Honorius, will be emperor in the West. At this
point, the office of Roman Emperor is changing
from a position of absolute power to one of being
merely a head of state. It is rumored that the
Olympics are now in a state of suspension.
ROME, ITALY Reporting Geoffrey of
Monmouth, Historian and Monk Associated
Press Emperor Theodosius The Great has died at
the age of 48. He is survived by two sons.
After some confusion concerning the heir to the
throne, it is discovered that Theodosius has
willed that he be the last Roman emperor to rule
over an undivided Roman empire. This is a
controversial decision that could weaken the
strength of the Roman Empire.
65
Newspaper Article 6
66
Olden Times
396-406 AD
The Worlds Oldest Newspaper
Stilichos Military Campaigns
Great Britain Italy Reporting Geoffrey of
Monmouth, Historian and Monk Associated Press The
Roman general, Stilicho, acting as regent
(governor) in the western empire during Honorius'
reign, reorganized British defenses decimated by
the Magnus Maximus debacle and began transfer of
military authority from Roman commanders to local
British chieftains. While still in Britain,
Stilicho repels attacks by the Picts, Irish and
Saxons. But, events in Italy force Stilicho to
take one of the two British legions to assist
with the defense of Italy against Alaric and the
Visigoths. He was successful
and the barbarian Visigoths and Alaric were
defeated, this time, but Alaric escaped into the
surrounding mountains, to fight another day. The
British troops, which had been taken along to
assist Stilicho, were never returned to Britain
as they had to stay in Italy to fight off more
barbarian uprisings.
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Newspaper Article 7
68
THE
GUARDIAN
410 AD
HOME OF GREAT BRITAINS NEWS AND GOSSIP FOR 2000
YEARS
Britain gains Independence !!
Glastonbury, Great Britain Reporting Geoffrey of
Monmouth, Historian and Monk Associated
Press After many years being governed under Roman
rule, Britain has gained its independence. The
last two years has seen Roman legions and
officials being recalled to Italy to defend Rome
from the Visigoths. Theyve all left, but just a
few Samatian conscripts that are staying behind
to train our troops. Now all Britain needs is a
loyal and level-headed leader thats not going to
run off to Gaul, Spain, or Italy with all of our
troops.
69
Important Timeline Dates
70
410 AD After many years being governed
under Roman rule, Britain has gained its
independence. The last two years have seen
Roman soldiers and officials being
recalled to Italy to defend Rome from
the Visigoths.
71
410 AD Alaric the Visigoths sack Rome.
72
410 AD Alaric the Visigoths sack Rome.
73
410 AD Alaric the Visigoths sack Rome.
74
410 AD Alaric the Visigoths sack Rome.
75
410 AD Alaric the Visigoths sack
Rome. c. 440-450 AD Period of civil war and
famine in Britain. c. 445 AD Vortigern
comes to power in Britain.
76
Vortigern.
77
446 AD Britons appeal to Aetius, Roman
governor of Gaul, for military
assistance in their struggle against
the Picts and the Irish (Scots). No
help could be sent, at this time, as
Aetius had his hands full with Attila
the Hun.
78
c. 446 AD Vortigern authorizes the use of
Saxon mercenaries, known as
foederati, for the defense of the
northern parts of Britain against
barbarian attack.
79
c. 450 AD Saxon general, Hengest arrives on
shores of Britain with "3 keels" of
warriors, and are welcomed by
Vortigern. This event is known in Latin
as the adventus Saxonum, the coming
of the Saxons.
80
Adventus Saxonum The Coming of the Saxons
81
Vortigern greets Hengest. Adventus Saxonum
The Coming of the Saxons
82
Keel
83
c. 452 AD Increasing Saxon settlement in
Britain. Hengest invites his son, Octha,
from Germany with "16 keels" of
warriors, who occupy the northern
lands, to defend against the Picts. The
Picts are never heard from, again.
84
Hengest and his son, Octha.
85
Saxon warriors
86
c. 453 AD Increasing Saxon unrest. Raids
on British towns and cities becoming
more frequent.
87
c. 456 AD Geoffrey of Monmouth tells us of
a probably fictitious, but entirely
believable event in which Saxons
massacre 300 leading British noblemen at
phony "peace" conference.
88
c. 456 AD Geoffrey of Monmouth tells us of
a probably fictitious, but entirely
believable event, in which Saxons
massacre 300 leading British noblemen at
a phony "peace" conference. c. 457
AD Death of Vortigern
89
c. 458 AD Saxon uprising in full- swing.
Hengest finally conquers Kent, in
southeastern Britain.
90
c. 458-60 AD Full-scale migration of
British aristocrats and city-dwellers
across the English Channel to Brittany,
in northwestern Gaul. British army is
being led by Riothamus, thought by some
to be the original figure behind the
legends of Arthur.
91
c. 460-70 AD Ambrosius Aurelianus takes
full control of pro- Roman faction and
British resistance effort leads Britons
in years of back-and-forth fighting with
Saxons. British strategy seems to have
been to allow Saxon landings and to then
contain them, there.
92
Ambrosius Aurelianus
93
Merlin From Wikipedia, the free
encyclopedia Merlin is best known as the wizard
featured in the Arthurian legend. The standard
depiction of the character first appears in
Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae
(History of the Kings of Britain) written c.
1136, and is based on an amalgamation
(combination) of previous historical and
legendary figures. Geoffrey combined existing
stories of Myrddin Wyllt (Merlinus Caledonensis)
a North British madman with no connection to King
Arthur, with tales of the Romano-British war
leader Ambrosius Aurelianus to form the composite
figure he called Merlin Ambrosius.
94
c. 465 AD Arthur probably born around this
time.
95
c. 465 AD Arthur probably born around this
time.
96
c. 465 AD Arthur probably born around this
time. c.466 AD Battle of Wippedesfleot, in
which Saxons defeat Britons, but with great
slaughter on both sides. Mutual "disgust
and sorrow" results in a respite from
fighting "for a long time."
97
c. 466-73 AD Period of minimal Saxon
activity. Refortification of ancient
hillforts and construction of the
Wansdyke possibly takes place during
this time. (Arthur would have been a
young boy during this less turbulent
time.)
98
Wansdyke
99
Wansdyke
100
Wansdyke
101
Wansdyke
102
Wansdyke
103
Wansdyke
104
Wansdyke
105
c. 469 AD Roman emperor, Anthemius,
appeals to Britons for military help
against the Visigoths. The British force
is being led by Riothamus. The bulk of
the British force was wiped out in
battle against Euric, the Visigothic
king, and the survivors, including
Riothamus, vanished and were never
heard from, again.
106
c.470 AD At the Battle of Wallop (in
Hampshire), Ambrosius defeats
Vitalinus, head of the opposing
faction. Ambrosius assumes
High-kingship of Britain. (Arthur would
now be five years old.)
107
473 AD Men of Kent, under Hengest, move
westward, driving the Britons back
before them "as one flees fire.
(Arthur would now be eight years old.)
108
477 AD Saxon chieftain, Aelle, lands on
Sussex coast with his sons. Britons
engage him upon landing but his
superior force drives them into the
forest (Weald). Over next nine years, Saxon
coastal holdings are gradually expanded
in Sussex. (Arthur would now be 12
years old.)
109
c. 485-96 AD Period of Arthur's "twelve
battles" during which he gains
reputation for invincibility.
(Arthur would now be between the ages
of 20 and 31.)
110
486 AD Aelle and his sons overreach their
normal territory and are engaged by
Britons at battle of Mercredesburne.
The battle is bloody, but indecisive,
and ends with both sides pledging
friendship. (Arthur would now be 21.)
111
c. 490 AD Hengest dies. His son, Aesc,
takes over and rules for 34 years.
(Arthur would now be 25 years old.) c.
495 AD Cerdic and Cynric, his son, land
somewhere on the south coast, probably
near the Hampshire-Dorset border.
112
c. 496 AD Britons, under overall command
of Ambrosius and battlefield command of
the "war leader" Arthur, defeat Saxons
at the Siege of Mount Badon. (Arthur
would now be 31 years old and stories
of his invincibility would be
legendary.)
113
c.496-550 AD Following the victory at Mt.
Badon, the Saxon advance is halted with
the invaders returning to their own
enclaves. A generation of peace
ensues. Corrupt leadership, more civil
turmoil, public forgetfulness and
individual apathy further erode
Romano-British culture over next fifty
years, making Britain ripe for final
Saxon "picking."
114
c.496-550 AD Following the victory at Mt.
Badon, a generation of peace ensues.
Corrupt leadership, more civil
turmoil, public forgetfulness and
individual apathy further erode
Romano-British culture over next fifty
years, making Britain ripe for final
Saxon "picking."
115
c. 501 AD At the Battle of Llongborth,
great British chieftain, Geraint, King
of Dumnonia, was killed. Arthur is
mentioned in a Welsh poem commemorating
the battle. (Arthur would now be 36
years old.)
116
508 AD Cerdic begins to move inland and
defeats British king Natanleod near
present-day Southampton. c. 515 AD
Death of Aelle. Kingdom of Sussex passed to
his son, Cissa and his descendents, but
over time, diminished into
insignificance.
117
519 AD Kingdom of the West Saxons
(Wessex) founded with Cerdic its first
ruler. (Arthur would now be 54 years
old.) c. 530-40 AD Mass migration of Celtic
monks to Brittany (in northern France).
118
534 AD Death of Cerdic. Cynric takes
kingship of Wessex. (Arthur would now
be 69 years old.) c. 542 AD Battle of Camlann.
This battle would mark the death (or
unspecified other demise) of Arthur
(according to Geoffrey of Monmouth).
(Arthur would have been 77 years old.)
119
c. 547 AD "Yellow" Plague hits British
territories, causing many deaths.
Ireland is also affected. The Saxons,
for whatever reason, are unaffected by
it.
120
c. 600 AD Welsh bard, Aneirin, writes poem
titled, Y Gododdin, alluding to
Arthur's prowess as a warrior. c. 830 AD
Nennius compiles Historia Brittonum.
Arthur is mentioned.
121
c. 890 AD Compilation of Anglo Saxon
Chronicle is begun. Arthur is
mentioned. c. 970 AD Annales Cambriae
compiled. Arthur is mentioned.
122
c. 1019 AD Earliest possible date of
composition for the Legend of St.
Goeznovius, a Briton legend, which,
in its preface, mentions Arthur and
calls him the King of the Britons. Date
is disputed as some scholars think this
legend should be dated later than
Geoffrey of Monmouth.
123
c. 1090 AD Professional hagiographers,
such as Caradoc of Llancarfan, Lifris
and others, write various saints lives,
some (St. Gildas, St. Padarn, St.
Cadog, St. Iltud) include mentions of
Arthur and his exploits.
124
1125 AD William of Malmesbury completes
Gesta Regum Anglorum (Deeds of the Kings
of England. Arthur is mentioned. 1129
AD Henry of Huntingdon's Historia Anglorum
is based on Bede, Nennius and the
AngloSaxon Chronicle. Arthur is
mentioned.
125
1136 AD Geoffrey of Monmouth publishes
the famous Historia Regum Britanniae
(History of the Kings of Britain), in
Latin. His work would be used as the
standard text for British history for
the next 600 years.
126
1136 AD Geoffrey of Monmouth History of the
Kings of Britain
127
1139 AD In a letter to Warinus, Henry of
Huntingdon describes Arthur's last
battle and mentions that the Bretons say
that he didn't die and are still waiting
for his return.
128
1155 AD Master (Robert) Wace completes
Roman de Brut a version of Geoffrey's
"History" in French. Hes remembered
as being the first writer to introduce
the concept of the "Round Table" to the
Arthurian cycle.
129
c. 1160-80 AD Marie de France writes
"Lais" (Lays), a collection of short
poems. Two of the poems, "Chevrefueil"
and "Lanval," include Arthurian
characters and themes.
130
c. 1160-90 AD Chretien de Troyes, the
greatest of the medieval romance writers,
makes his five contributions to the
Arthurian cycle. These become known as
the Arthurian Romances.
131
Chretien de Troyes work is noteworthy, not only
for its quality, but for the introduction and
further development of certain characters and
themes into the Arthurian literature. He is,
also, the first to apply the literary form of the
romance, to the transmission of the stories of
Arthur.
132
It is Chretien de Troyes who first tells us of
the Grail (Graal), but he never equated it with
the cup of the Last Supper or the cup used to
catch the blood of Christ. The word, grail, a
commonly used term in the middle ages, simply
referred to a dish or plate of a particular kind.

133
It is Chretien de Troyes who first tells us of
the Grail (Graal), but he never equated it with
the cup of the Last Supper or the cup used to
catch the blood of Christ. The word, grail, a
commonly used term in the middle ages, simply
referred to a dish or plate of a particular kind.

134
Chretien de Troyes used the grail as a symbol of
beauty and mystery, but he never presented it as
an object of religious devotion (the spiritual
aspect was introduced by later writers). Chretien
is remembered as the first writer to give the
name of Camelot to Arthur's headquarters and
capital city. He, also, is responsible for the
introduction of the famous knights, Lancelot,
Gawain and Perceval, into the literature of
Arthurian legend.
135

• AD Great fire ravages the Glastonbury
  Abbey destroying Old Church
• 1190 AD Discovery of Arthur's grave
  between two pyramids in a cemetary at
  Glastonbury Abbey.

136
c. 1190 AD Layamon (pronounced "lawmon"),
a priest of Arley Regis, Worcestershir
e, publishes Brut. Although the
dating of "Brut" is uncertain, his
work marks the first appearance of the
Arthurian story in English.
137
1192-3 AD Gerald of Wales visits
Glastonbury, reports on exhumation of
Arthur's grave in Liber de Principis
Instructione.
138
c. 1195-1205 AD Hartmann von Aue, a German
court poet, produces two Arthurian
romances, "Erek" and "Iwein," inspired
by Chretien's "Eric et Enide" and
"Yvain." Hartmann is the first to
introduce Arthurian literature to
Germany.
139
c. 1198 AD William of Newburgh writes
"Historia Rerum Anglicarum," a history
of Britain beginning with the Conquest
of 1066. The preface, however, tries to
place Arthur in a historical context and
uses the works of Gildas and Bede to
harshly criticize
140
Geoffrey of Monmouth's claims for him,
concluding that Arthur and Merlin are
fictitious.
141
c. 1198 AD William of Newburgh writes
"Historia Rerum Anglicarum," a history
of Britain beginning with the Conquest
of 1066. The preface, however, tries to
place Arthur in a historical context and
uses the works of Gildas and Bede to
harshly criticize