Saturday, April 20, 2024

Ancient British History

Welcome to the fascinating and mist-shrouded world of Ancient British History. The historian’s task is frustrating but exhilarating, deciphering old manuscripts, exploring Roman ruins, and following the trail of the elusive King Arthur. All these things are found herein–the columns explore Britain from the Bronze Age to the Norman Conquest. Come on and in and enjoy!

Mount Badon: Arthur’s Greatest Victory

The Saxons had been raging around the countryside for years. The Britons had been fighting them off as best they could, but the hordes...

Did Arthur Really Live? A Critical Look

“The fact is that there is no historical evidence about Arthur; we must reject him from our histories and, above all, from the titles...

Edward the Martyr

The troublesome genealogy that was prevalent throughout ancient history rose its ugly head again in 975, when King Eadgar died and left his son,...

What the Romans Found: The Celts

The Romans must have felt quite a bit of historical deja vu when they crossed the Channel en masse and discovered that the British...

Cadbury: Was It Camelot?

It has been put forward that Camelot as the romance authors would have us fancy it did not exist, at least not for Arthur....

Coenwulf: Mercian Overlord and Tyrant

Following Offa on the throne of Mercia was Coenwulf, who succeeded the great king in name and deed. He was indeed an overlord, much...

Bronze Age Cremation Pits Discovered

Sometimes, archaelogists have to wait to deliver good news. Theories are all well and good, but results are needed to back them up. Well,...

The Pictish Connection in Arthurian History

Celtic contributions to Arthurian history were examined and found to be perhaps difficult to substantiate. Pictish connections to Arthurian history are a bit easier...

Edward the Elder: Alfred’s Successful Successor

Great though he was, Alfred could not outlast the sands of time. He died in 899, with his kingdom well in hand and ready...

Edward the Confessor

At last we come to the compelling character of Edward the Confessor. Recalling that Aethelred’s second wife was Emma of Normandy, we can begin...