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==Introduction==[[File: Knights 1.jpg|300px|thumb|left|A 19th century painting of the knights leaving Camelot]]__NOTOC__King Arthur is one of the most famous legends in all of history. His 's heroic adventures, his castle at Camelot and his magical sword Excalibur are very well-known and they have even entered popular culture. The Arthurian legends and stories have inspired countless books, play, tv series and of course movies. One of the most fascinating stories in the Arthurian cycle of legends is are those on the adventures of the Knights of the Round Table. They are among the best-known characters in the Arthurian cycle of stories, including memorable figures as Lancelot, Gawain, and Perceval. The knights who gathered around the circular table are regarded as the paragons of knightly virtue.  They inspired many nobles during the Middle Ages to abide by the code of chivalry. However, did the Knights of the Round Table exist and are they based on historical figures. This article examines if the fabled knights have some basis in fact. It argues that the story of the Round Table probably has no real basis in fact, but that the chivalrous warriors were probably likely based on stories of elite fighters who fought for early medieval warlords and possible some historical figures who whose memory survived in folklore.[[File: Knights 1.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A 19th century painting of the knights leaving Camelot]]====The Arthurian Legend==King Arthur was once believed to have lived in the Dark Ages, in Britain and had fought the invading pagan Anglo-Saxons and he brought peace and plenty to the land. It was once widely accepted that he was a historical figure but later he came to be regarded as only a myth or a figure out of folklore. Today, many believe that Arthur was a composite figure and he was based on a number of the many Romano-Britain warlords that fought against Germanic invaders in the wake of the collapse of the Western Roman Empire <ref> Littleton, C. Scott, and Linda A. Malcor. From Scythia to Camelot (London, Routledge, 2013), p 134 </ref>. The source of the Arthurian legend is in a number of Welsh chronicles and epic poems. In these Arthur is a ‘king’ who fights many battles against the Anglo-Saxons. His story was well-known and became popular and it was later taken up by French writers. These added to the Welsh tales and added many of the characters and the details that we are all now familiar with. The first reference to the Knights of the Round Table was in the work of a Breton poet in the 11th century. Later poets added details to the Knights and created characters such as Gawain. Chrétien de Troyes is widely credited with weaving the story of the Quest for the Holy Grail into the tale of the Knights of the Round Table <ref> Littleton, p 123</ref>. de Troyes had the knights search for the Grail, which was the cup used by Jesus and the Apostles during the Last Supper. Since then the Knights of the Round Table have become an integral part of the much-loved Arthurian cycle of stories. However, there is practically no other references to the knights and the Round Table in any other medieval sources, other than those associated with the Arthurian legends. Although there are some place names in Wales and England that are called after the site of the Table, all of these are probably later inventions. ==

==The Knights of the Round Table==The Round Table King Arthur was according once believed to have lived in the sources a large circular table Dark Ages, in Britain and had fought the invading pagan Anglo-Saxons and he brought peace and plenty to the land. It was so big once widely accepted that up he was a historical figure but later he came to 150 knights could be seated at itregarded as only a myth or a figure out of folklore. The table was roundToday, unlike the typical rectangular version because there many believe that Arthur was to be no knight who sat at the head of the table. It a composite figure and he was based on a symbol number of equality and represented the fellowship many Romano-Britain warlords that fought against Germanic invaders in the wake of the collapse of all the knightsWestern Roman Empire.<ref> Littleton, C. According to the Arthurian cycleScott, the table was a gift and Linda A. Malcor. From Scythia to Arthur and his Queen Guinevere from her fatherCamelot (London, Routledge, 2013), who was also a monarchp 134 </ref> Sutcliff, Rosemary.  The sword and source of the circle: King Arthurian legend is in a number of Welsh chronicles and epic poems. In these Arthur and is a ‘king’ who fights many battles against the knights of the round table (London, Random House, 2013), p 167</ref>Anglo-Saxons. His story was well-known and became popular and it was later taken up by French writers. There were 100 knights in attendance on Arthur but there was room at the table for up These added to fifty more. As was his custom the ruler Welsh tales and added many of Camelot asked the advice of characters and the magician Merlin, details that we are all now familiar with regard to selecting more knights to bring up it to the full complement. The wizard was first reference to select the knights based on their nobility and their record Knights of chivalrythe Round Table was in the work of a Breton poet in the 11th century. Merlin assembled  Later poets added details to the required number Knights and he ordained that they should treat each created characters such as brothersGawain. Each knight had their own particular place at Chrétien de Troyes is widely credited with weaving the story of the table. One chair was left unfilled and that was to be destined Quest for a great knight, this was ultimately revealed to be Sir Galahad. The number the Holy Grail into the tale of knights varied from story to story. The group the Knights of noble warriors is charged with Arthur with keeping peace in the land, protecting Round Table.<ref> Littleton, p 123</ref> de Troyes had the knights search for the weakGrail, which was the cup used by Jesus and they were expected to abide by a stern code the Apostles during the Last Supper. Since then the Knights of chivalry <ref> Sutcliffethe Round Table have become an integral part of the much-loved Arthurian cycle of stories. However, p 145</ref>. After their formation they slay may dragons there are practically no other references to the knights and monsters making the land safe and also subdue Round Table in any other medieval sources, other than those associated with the enemies of ArthurArthurian legends. The knights vow to go on a quest to retrieve Although there are some place names in Wales and England that are called after the Holy Grail, site of the cup from the Last SupperTable, and their subsequent adventures all of these are portrayed in many medieval worksprobably later inventions.  ====The quest inspired some great literature such as Sir Gawain and Knights of the Green KnightRound Table====[[File: Knights Three. The works vary but several jpg|300px|thumb|left|A medieval depiction of the knights, including Galahad, secured Round Table]]The Round Table was according to the grail. Despite their chivalrous code, the majority of the knights were killed on sources a variety of battlefields or searching for the graillarge circular table and was so big that up to 150 knights could be seated at it. The dead were replaced by new members but some sources present them as inferior in character and bravery table was round, unlike the typical rectangular version because there was to be no knight who sat at the original bandhead of the table. Only It was a handful symbol of equality and represented the fellowship of all the knights survived . According to the terrible Battle of CamlannArthurian cycle, which left Arthur mortally wounded. The brotherhood of warriors effectively ended after the battle table was a gift to Arthur and the handful of survivors became monks or wanders <ref> Syr Gawayne; his Queen Guinevere from her father, who was also a collection of ancient romance-poemsmonarch.<ref> Sutcliff, by Scottish Rosemary. The sword and English authorsthe circle: relating to that celebrated knight King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table round table (London, J. R. and JE TaylorRandom House, 18392013), p 167</ref>. There is no more mention of the Round Table, were 100 knights in attendance on Arthur but it there was presumably destroyed when Camelot was sacked and razed room at the table for up to fifty more.  As was his custom the ground by the treacherous King of Cornwall. The stories ruler of Camelot asked the Knights advice of the Round Table have proven enormously influential magician Merlin, with regard to selecting more knights who would serve him and helped protect his realm. The wizard was to spread ideas select the knights based on their nobility and their record of chivalry . Merlin assembled the required number and courtly-love in he ordained that they should treat each as brothers. Each knight had their own particular place at the Medieval periodtable. [[File: Knights Three.jpg|200px|thumb|One chair was left|A medieval depiction of the Round Table]]==Winchester Round Table==Winchester Castle is one unfilled and that was to be destined for a great knight, this was ultimately revealed to be Sir Galahad. The number of the greatest castles knights varied from story to story. The group of noble warriors is charged by Arthur with keeping peace in England the land, protecting the weak, and it played a very important part they were expected to abide by a stern code of English historychivalry. It was originally built by William the Conqueror and later rebuilt by Henry II<ref> Sutcliffe, p 145</ref> After their formation they slay may dragons and monsters making the land safe and also subdue the ruler enemies of the Angevin EmpireArthur. In The adventures of the Great Hall, there is a round table hanging on heroes inspired some great literature such as Sir Gawain and the wallGreen Knight. This was reputed The knights vow to be go on a quest to retrieve the original Round TableHoly Grail, of the loyal warriors of Arthurcup from the Last Supper, and around which they agreed to search for their subsequent adventures are portrayed in many medieval works. The works vary but several of the Holy Grail. In factknights, including Galahad, this table is not from secured the period when grail. Despite their chivalrous code, the ruler majority of Camelot reigned. It was probably built as part the knights were killed on a variety of one of the many ‘round table’ tournaments that occurred in Europe during battlefields or searching for the Middle Agesgrail. These The dead were tournaments with jousting, ceremonies, replaced by new members but some sources present them as inferior in character and festivities and were based on Arthurian legendbravery to the original band. This Round table was probably made on the orders Only a handful of King Edward I during one such celebration <REF>Morrisknights survived the terrible Battle of Camlann, Markwhich left Arthur mortally wounded. "Edward I and the Knights The brotherhood of warriors effectively ended after the battle and the Round Tablehandful of survivors became monks or wanders." Foundations <ref> Syr Gawayne; a collection of Medieval Scholarshipancient romance-poems, by Scottish and English authors: Records edited in Honour relating to that celebrated knight of David Crook the Round Table (2009)</ref>London, J. ==The Amphitheater theory==The Romans had occupied much of modern-day Britain from the 1st to the early 5th centuryR. They transformed British society and they built roads and cities throughout the island. During their centuries JE Taylor, 1839)</ref> There is no more mention of rule, the local people were often RomanizedRound Table, especially those who lived in towns but it was presumably destroyed when Camelot was sacked and citiesrazed to the ground by the treacherous King of Cornwall. They adopted Roman norms and customs and one The stories of the most popular Knights of these was the games, especially gladiatorial games <ref> Zienkiewicz, JRound Table have proven enormously influential and helped to spread ideas of chivalry and courtly-love in the Medieval period. David. The legionary fortress baths at Caerleon <div class="portal" style='float: The buildings. Vol. 1 (Cardiff, National Museum of Wales, 1986</refright; width:35%'>). Many Romano- ====Related Articles===={{#dpl:category=British cities and towns had amphitheaters and based on the remaining evidence they hosted Roman style games. Many History|ordermethod=firstedit|order=descending|count=7}}</div> ====Winchester Round Table====Winchester Castle is one of these can still be seen the greatest castles in England and at one time there were it played a great many very important part in BritainEnglish history. In 2010 a theory emerged that It was widely reported in originally built by William the media Conqueror and on later rebuilt by Henry II, the internet. A historian claimed that the amphitheaters inspired the legend ruler of the Round TableAngevin Empire. He claimed that the buildings which are circular formed the basis for In the Great Hall, there is a round oaken table legendhanging on the wall, which is brightly painted. Their argument This was as follows, after reputed to be the withdrawal original Round Table, of the Romansloyal warriors of Arthur, the local people continued and around which they agreed to live in search for the cities at least in the fifth and sixth centuries. Local Brythonic warlords led Holy Grail.  In fact, this table is not from the fight against period when the Anglo-Saxons and others used these declining urban centers ruler of Camelot reigned. It was probably built as strongholdspart of one of the many ‘round table’ tournaments that occurred in Europe during the Middle Ages. The amphitheaters These were perfect assembly points tournaments with jousting, ceremonies, and festivities and presumably, a local leader would gather his fighting men in these buildingswere based on Arthurian legend. From this practice there emerged This Round table was probably made on the story orders of a group of Christian knightsKing Edward I during one such celebration. However<REF>Morris, the theory that abandoned Roman amphitheaters inspired the stories of Mark. "Edward I and the Knights of the Round Table is a controversial one. There is no archaeological or documentary evidence that these Roman constructions, had been used " Foundations of Medieval Scholarship: Records edited in the Dark Ages or by Romano-British warriors. Honour of David Crook (2009)</ref> ==Arthur and his warband==The Amphitheater theory====The origin Romans had occupied much of modern-day Britain from the Arthurian legend is in 1st to the Dark Ages, when as we have seen warlords carved out their own kingdoms and fought endless warsearly 5th century. Now an examination of Romano-They transformed British society and Celtic culture can help us to understand they built roads and cities throughout the inspiration for island. During their centuries of rule, the story about the gallant knights. Arthur was based on one or more Brythonic warlordslocal people were often Romanized, especially those who would have had an elite group of fighterslived in towns and cities. <ref>SutcliffeThey adopted Roman norms and customs and one of the most popular of these was the games, p 17especially gladiatorial games.</ref>Zienkiewicz, J. They would typically be high-born warriors who had been trained since childhood in the art of warDavid. The legionary fortress baths at Caerleon: The buildings. Vol. These may have been sub1 (Cardiff, National Museum of Wales, 1986</ref> Many Romano-kings or chieftains British cities and towns had amphitheaters and based on the remaining evidence they often helped him to administer his territoryhosted Roman style games. These elite warriors would have been similar to the ‘sworn swords’ who had pledged to fight for their lord or king and often acted as his personal bodyguardMany of these can still be seen and at one time there were a great many in Britain. They were the companions of In 2010 a theory emerged that was widely reported in the monarch media and expected to die for their lordon the internet. Furthermore, they were expected to abide by a good of honor. There are definite similarities between these Dark Age warriors and A historian claimed that the amphitheaters inspired the Knights legend of the Round Table. The noble swordsmen who fought for Arthur and can be considered to be a Christianised version He claimed that the buildings which are circular formed the basis for the round table legend.  His argument was as follows, after the withdrawal of an older warrior tradition <ref>Sutcliffethe Romans, p 101</ref>.==Warriors from folklore?==Lancelot and the other heroes are all possibly derived from stories about brave companions local people continued to live in the warlords cities at least in the fifth and kingssixth centuries. It seems highly likely that many of Local Brythonic warlords led the knights who served Arthur were originally based on figures from Folklore. One of fight against the bestAnglo-known characters among the knights of the Round Table is Sir Lancelot was ultimately derived from a folktaleSaxons and others used these declining urban centers as strongholds. Many scholars suggest that he was originally based on The amphitheaters were perfect assembly points and presumably, a Welsh herolocal leader would gather his fighting men in these buildings, for meetings. This is also From this practice there emerged the case with many others who served Arthurstory of a group of Christian knights. Another example However, the theory that abandoned Roman amphitheaters inspired the stories of the Knights of this the Round Table is Sir Cardoc who appears to have been based on the ancestors of the Welsh kings of Gwenta controversial one. , It There is accepted by many no archaeological or documentary evidence that some of the knightsthese Roman constructions, mentioned had been used in the Arthurian storyDark Ages or by Romano-cycle are based on Celtic heroes <ref> Frank ABritish warriors. Milne, A. Nutt. “Arthur  ====Arthur and Gorlagon”, Folklore 15, no. 1 [1904]his warband====The origin of the Arthurian legend is in the Dark Ages, 40-67</ref>when as we have seen warlords carved out their own kingdoms and fought endless wars. It has been suggested that Arthur’s band Now an examination of loyal men were based on very ancient fellowships from Romano-British and Celtic myths. There are also those who believe that some of culture can help us to understand the inspiration for the story about the heroes such as Sir Gawain and his adventures are based gallant knights. Arthur was based on European myths and lore one or more Brythonic warlords, who would have had an elite group of fighters.<ref>Sutcliffe, p 17</ref>W They would typically be high-born warriors who had been trained since childhood in the art of war. P. Ker. “The Roman Dumézilvan Walewein (Gawain)”, Folklore 5, no. 2 [1894], 121These may have been sub-8 </ref>kings or chieftains and they often helped him to administer his territory. It is also entirely possible that These elite warriors would have been similar to the emblematic Round Table was also sourced from a now lost folk tale‘sworn swords’ who had pledged to fight for their lord or king and often acted as his personal bodyguard. They were the companions of the monarch and expected to die for their ruler. ==Conclusion==Furthermore, they were expected to abide by a good of honor. There are so many great legends involving definite similarities between these Dark Age warriors and the heroic band who served King Arthur. Modern media has popularized its legend far beyond Europe. The story Knights of the Round Table was most likely an invention but it may have been based on some historical precedent, but we do not simply know. The story that it is held in Winchester Castle is a charming fabrication, while The noble swordsmen who fought for Arthur can be considered to be a Christianised version of an older warrior tradition <ref>Sutcliffe, p 101</ref>. ====Warriors from folklore?====Lancelot and the theory that other heroes are all possibly derived from stories about brave companions to the Round Table was based on a Roman Amphitheatre, is not crediblewarlords and kings. Like Arthur, the Knights It seems highly likely that many of the Round Table are not modeled knights who served Arthur were originally based on a historical figure but are composite figures, drawn from several sourcesFolklore. The story One of the best-known characters among the knights, their heroism and chivalry are probably of the Round Table is Sir Lancelot was ultimately derived from a folktale. Many scholars suggest that he was originally based on some ancient folktales, from the early Medieval perioda Welsh hero. The French writers This is also the case with many others who introduced the Round Table into the Arthurian cycle served Arthur. Another example of tales also drew on contemporary notions of a Christian warrior and the emerging chivalrous code, this is Sir Cardoc who appears to create have been based on the world ancestors of the Knights Welsh kings of the Round TableGwent. , It is accepted by many that some of the knights, mentioned in the Arthurian story-cycle are based on Celtic heroes. They also added distinctively Christian <ref> Frank A. Milne, A. Nutt. “Arthur and Gorlagon”, Folklore 15, no. 1 [1904], 40-67</ref>  It has been suggested that Arthur’s band of loyal men were based on very ancient warrior fellowships from Celtic myths. There are also those who believe that some of the heroes such as Sir Gawain and his adventures are based on European myths and lore.</ref>W. P. Ker. “The Roman Dumézilvan Walewein (Gawain)”, Folklore 5, no. 2 [1894], 121-8 </ref> It is also entirely possible that the emblematic Round Table was also sourced from a now lost folk tale. ====Conclusion====There are so many great legends involving the heroic band who served King Arthur. Modern media has popularized these stories all over the globe. The story of the fellowship of the Round Table was most likely an invention but it may have been based on some historical precedent, but we do not simply know. The story that it is held in Winchester Castle is a charming fabrication, while the theory that the Round Table was based on a Roman Amphitheatre, is not credible. The Knights of the Round Table are not modeled on historical figures but are likely composite figures, drawn from several sources.  The story of the knights, their heroism and chivalry are probably based on some ancient folktales, from the early Medieval period. The French writers who introduced the Round Table into the Arthurian cycle of tales also drew on contemporary notions of a Christian warrior and the emerging chivalrous code, to create the world of the Knights of the Round Table. They also added distinctively Christian motifs such as the Holy Grail to the story of Arthur’s companions. This led them to produce the memorable tales of the Knights of the Round Table. such as the Holy Grail to the story of Arthur’s companions. This led them to produce the memorable tales of the Knights of the Round Table. ====Further Reading==Further Reading==

====References====<references/> [[Category:British History]] [[Category:Wikis]][[Category:Historically Accurate]] [[Category: History of the Middle Ages]]