The Discovery of King Arthur

Geoffrey Ashe examines whether the Arthur of medieval legend may preserve memories of a real 5th-century British leader. The book traces the evidence through early chronicles, Welsh tradition and Geoffrey of Monmouth’s 12th-century history, separating older material from later invention.

Particular attention is given to Riothamus, a British leader recorded in continental sources, whom Ashe considers a possible historical model for Arthur. Literary accounts are set alongside archaeology, maps and physical remains associated with places such as Avalon, Badon, Camelot and Camlann. The discussion also considers how figures including Ambrosius, Merlin, Guinevere and Lancelot became attached to the developing Arthurian story.