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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 Dark Ages, in Britain and had fought the sources a large circular table invading pagan Anglo-Saxons and he brought peace and was so big that up plenty to 150 knights could be seated at itthe land. The table It was round, unlike the typical rectangular version because there once widely accepted that he was a historical figure but later he came to be no knight who sat at the head regarded as only a myth or a figure out of the tablefolklore. It Today, many believe that Arthur was a composite figure and he was based on a symbol number of the many Romano-Britain warlords that fought against Germanic invaders in the wake of equality and represented the fellowship collapse of all the knightsWestern Roman Empire. According to the Arthurian cycle, the table was a gift to Arthur and his Queen Guinevere from her father, who was also a monarch<ref> SutcliffLittleton, RosemaryC. The sword Scott, and the circle: King Arthur and the knights of the round table Linda A. Malcor. From Scythia to Camelot (London, Random HouseRoutledge, 2013), p 167134 </ref> The source of the Arthurian legend is in a number of Welsh chronicles and epic poems. There were 100 knights in attendance on In these Arthur but there was room at is a ‘king’ who fights many battles against the table for up to fifty moreAnglo-Saxons. As His story was his custom the ruler of Camelot asked the advice of the magician Merlin, with regard to selecting more knights to bring well-known and became popular and it was later taken up it to the full complementby French writers. The wizard was These added to select the knights based on their nobility Welsh tales and their record added many of chivalry. Merlin assembled the required number characters and he ordained that they should treat each as brothers. Each knight had their own particular place at the table. One chair was left unfilled and details that was to be destined for a great knight, this was ultimately revealed to be Sir Galahadwe are all now familiar with. The number of knights varied from story first reference to story. The group the Knights of noble warriors is charged with Arthur with keeping peace the Round Table was in the land, protecting the weak, and they were expected to abide by work of a stern code of chivalry <ref> Sutcliffe, p 145</ref>. After their formation they slay may dragons and monsters making the land safe and also subdue Breton poet in the enemies of Arthur11th century. The knights vow  Later poets added details to go on a quest to retrieve the Holy Grail, the cup from the Last Supper, Knights and their subsequent adventures are portrayed in many medieval works. The quest inspired some great literature created characters such as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The works vary but several of Chrétien de Troyes is widely credited with weaving the knights, including Galahad, secured the grail. Despite their chivalrous code, the majority story of the knights were killed on a variety of battlefields or searching Quest for the grail. The dead were replaced by new members but some sources present them as inferior in character and bravery to Holy Grail into the original band. Only a handful tale of knights survived the terrible Battle Knights of Camlann, which left Arthur mortally woundedthe Round Table. The brotherhood of warriors effectively ended after the battle and the handful of survivors became monks or wanders <ref> Syr Gawayne; a collection of ancient romance-poemsLittleton, by Scottish and English authors: relating to that celebrated knight of the Round Table (London, J. R. and JE Taylor, 1839)p 123</ref>. There is no more mention of de Troyes had the knights search for the Round TableGrail, but it which was presumably destroyed when Camelot was sacked the cup used by Jesus and razed to the ground by Apostles during the treacherous King of CornwallLast Supper. The stories of Since then the Knights of the Round Table have proven enormously influential and helped become an integral part of the much-loved Arthurian cycle of stories. However, there are practically no other references to spread ideas of chivalry the knights and courtly-love the Round Table in any other medieval sources, other than those associated with the Medieval periodArthurian legends. [[File: Knights Three.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A medieval depiction Although there are some place names in Wales and England that are called after the site of the Round Table]], all of these are probably later inventions.

==Winchester ==The Knights of the Round Table====Winchester Castle is one [[File: Knights Three.jpg|300px|thumb|left|A medieval depiction of the greatest castles in England Round Table]]The Round Table was according to the sources a large circular table and was so big that up to 150 knights could be seated at it played a very important part of English history. It The table was originally built by William round, unlike the Conqueror and later rebuilt by Henry II, typical rectangular version because there was to be no knight who sat at the ruler head of the Angevin Empiretable. In It was a symbol of equality and represented the Great Hall, there is a round table hanging on fellowship of all the wallknights. This was reputed According to be the original Round TableArthurian cycle, of the loyal warriors of table was a gift to Arthurand his Queen Guinevere from her father, who was also a monarch.<ref> Sutcliff, Rosemary. The sword and around which they agreed to search for the Holy Grail. In fact, this table is not from circle: King Arthur and the period when knights of the ruler of Camelot reigned. It round table (London, Random House, 2013), p 167</ref> There were 100 knights in attendance on Arthur but there was probably built as part room at the table for up to fifty more.  As was his custom the ruler of one Camelot asked the advice of the many ‘round table’ tournaments that occurred in Europe during magician Merlin, with regard to selecting more knights who would serve him and protect his realm. The wizard was to select the Middle Agesknights based on their nobility and their record of chivalry. These were tournaments with jousting, ceremonies, and festivities and were based on Arthurian legendMerlin assembled the required number and he ordained that they should treat each as brothers. This Round Each knight had their own particular place at the table . One chair was probably made on the orders of King Edward I during one such celebration <REF>Morrisleft unfilled and that was to be destined for a great knight, Markthis was ultimately revealed to be Sir Galahad. "Edward I and the Knights The number of the Round Tableknights varied from story to story." Foundations The group of Medieval Scholarship: Records edited noble warriors is charged by Arthur with keeping peace in Honour the land, protecting the weak, and they were expected to abide by a stern code of David Crook (2009)chivalry.<ref> Sutcliffe, p 145</ref>. ==The Amphitheater theory==The Romans had occupied much After their formation they slay may dragons and monsters making the land safe and also subdue the enemies of Arthur. The adventures of modern-day Britain from the 1st to heroes inspired some great literature such as Sir Gawain and the early 5th centuryGreen Knight. They transformed British society and they built roads and cities throughout The knights vow to go on a quest to retrieve the island. During their centuries of ruleHoly Grail, the local people were often Romanizedcup from the Last Supper, especially those who lived and their subsequent adventures are portrayed in towns and citiesmany medieval works. They adopted Roman norms and customs and one of The works vary but several of the most popular of these was the gamesknights, especially gladiatorial games <ref> Zienkiewiczincluding Galahad, Jsecured the grail. DavidDespite their chivalrous code, the majority of the knights were killed on a variety of battlefields or searching for the grail. The legionary fortress baths at Caerleon: The buildingsdead were replaced by new members but some sources present them as inferior in character and bravery to the original band. Vol. 1 (Cardiff, National Museum Only a handful of knights survived the terrible Battle of WalesCamlann, 1986</ref>)which left Arthur mortally wounded. Many Romano-British cities The brotherhood of warriors effectively ended after the battle and towns had amphitheaters and based on the remaining evidence they hosted Roman style gameshandful of survivors became monks or wanders. Many of these can still be seen <ref> Syr Gawayne; a collection of ancient romance-poems, by Scottish and at one time there were a great many in BritainEnglish authors: relating to that celebrated knight of the Round Table (London, J. R. In 2010 a theory emerged that was widely reported in the media and on the internet. A historian claimed that the amphitheaters inspired the legend JE Taylor, 1839)</ref> There is no more mention of the Round Table. He claimed that the buildings which are circular formed , but it was presumably destroyed when Camelot was sacked and razed to the basis for ground by the round table legendtreacherous King of Cornwall. Their argument was as follows, after The stories of the withdrawal Knights of the Romans, the local people continued Round Table have proven enormously influential and helped to live spread ideas of chivalry and courtly-love in the cities at least in the fifth and sixth centuries. Local Brythonic warlords led the fight against the Anglo-Saxons and others used these declining urban centers as strongholds. The amphitheaters were perfect assembly points and presumably, a local leader would gather his fighting men Medieval period.  <div class="portal" style='float:right; width:35%'> ====Related Articles===={{#dpl:category=British History|ordermethod=firstedit|order=descending|count=7}}</div> ====Winchester Round Table====Winchester Castle is one of the greatest castles in these buildings. From this practice there emerged the story of England and it played a group of Christian knightsvery important part in English history. However, It was originally built by William the theory that abandoned Roman amphitheaters inspired Conqueror and later rebuilt by Henry II, the stories ruler of the Knights of Angevin Empire. In the Round Table Great Hall, there is a controversial oneround oaken table hanging on the wall, which is brightly painted. There is no archaeological or documentary evidence that these Roman constructionsThis was reputed to be the original Round Table, had been used in of the Dark Ages or by Romano-British loyal warriors. ==of Arthur , and his warband==around which they agreed to search for the Holy Grail.  The origin of the Arthurian legend In fact, this table is in not from the Dark Ages, period when as we have seen warlords carved out their own kingdoms and fought endless warsthe ruler of Camelot reigned. Now an examination It was probably built as part of one of Romano-British and Celtic culture can help us to understand the inspiration for many ‘round table’ tournaments that occurred in Europe during the story about the gallant knightsMiddle Ages. Arthur was These were tournaments with jousting, ceremonies, and festivities and were based on one or more Brythonic warlords, who would have had an elite group Arthurian legend. This Round table was probably made on the orders of fightersKing Edward I during one such celebration. <refREF>SutcliffeMorris, p 17</ref>Mark. They would typically be high-born warriors who had been trained since childhood in "Edward I and the art Knights of warthe Round Table. These may have been sub-kings or chieftains and they often helped him to administer his territory. These elite warriors would have been similar " Foundations of Medieval Scholarship: Records edited in Honour of David Crook (2009)</ref> ====The Amphitheater theory====The Romans had occupied much of modern-day Britain from the 1st to the ‘sworn swords’ who had pledged to fight for their lord or king and often acted as his personal bodyguardearly 5th century. They were the companions of transformed British society and they built roads and cities throughout the monarch and expected to die for island. During their lord. Furthermorecenturies of rule, they the local people were expected to abide by a good of honoroften Romanized, especially those who lived in towns and cities. There are definite similarities between these Dark Age warriors They adopted Roman norms and customs and one of the Knights most popular of these was the Round Tablegames, especially gladiatorial games. The noble swordsmen who fought for Arthur and can be considered to be a Christianised version of an older warrior tradition <ref>Sutcliffe<ref> Zienkiewicz, p 101J. David. The legionary fortress baths at Caerleon: The buildings. Vol. 1 (Cardiff, National Museum of Wales, 1986</ref>.==Warriors from folklore?==Lancelot Many Romano-British cities and towns had amphitheaters and based on the other heroes are all possibly derived from stories about brave companions to the warlords and kingsremaining evidence they hosted Roman style games. It seems highly likely that many Many of the knights who served Arthur these can still be seen and at one time there were originally based on figures from Folklorea great many in Britain. One of the best-known characters among In 2010 a theory emerged that was widely reported in the knights of media and on the Round Table is Sir Lancelot was ultimately derived from a folktaleinternet. A historian claimed that the amphitheaters inspired the legend of the Round Table. Many scholars suggest He claimed that he was originally based on a Welsh hero. This is also the case with many others who served Arthurbuildings which are circular formed the basis for the round table legend. Another example  His argument was as follows, after the withdrawal of this is Sir Cardoc who appears to have been based on the ancestors of Romans, the Welsh kings of Gwent. , It is accepted by many that some of local people continued to live in the knights, mentioned cities at least in the Arthurian storyfifth and sixth centuries. Local Brythonic warlords led the fight against the Anglo-cycle are based on Celtic heroes <ref> Frank A. Milne, ASaxons and others used these declining urban centers as strongholds. Nutt. “Arthur The amphitheaters were perfect assembly points and Gorlagon”presumably, Folklore 15a local leader would gather his fighting men in these buildings, nofor meetings. 1 [1904], 40-67</ref>From this practice there emerged the story of a group of Christian knights. It has been suggested However, the theory that Arthur’s band abandoned Roman amphitheaters inspired the stories of loyal men were based on very ancient fellowships from Celtic mythsthe Knights of the Round Table is a controversial one. There are also those who believe that some of is no archaeological or documentary evidence that these Roman constructions, had been used in the heroes such as Sir Gawain and Dark Ages or by Romano-British warriors. ====Arthur and his adventures are based on European myths and lore </ref>W. P. Ker. “The Roman Dumézilvan Walewein (Gawain)”warband====The origin of the Arthurian legend is in the Dark Ages, Folklore 5, nowhen as we have seen warlords carved out their own kingdoms and fought endless wars. 2 [1894], 121Now an examination of Romano-8 </ref>. It is also entirely possible that British and Celtic culture can help us to understand the inspiration for the emblematic Round Table story about the gallant knights. Arthur was also sourced from a now lost folk tale. ==Conclusion==There are so many great legends involving the heroic band based on one or more Brythonic warlords, who served King Arthur. Modern media has popularized its legend far beyond Europewould have had an elite group of fighters. The story of the Round Table was most likely an invention but it may have <ref>Sutcliffe, p 17</ref>  They would typically be high-born warriors who had been based on some historical precedent, but we do not simply knowtrained since childhood in the art of war. The story that it is held in Winchester Castle is a charming fabrication, while These may have been sub-kings or chieftains and they often helped him to administer his territory. These elite warriors would have been similar to the theory that ‘sworn swords’ who had pledged to fight for their lord or king and often acted as his personal bodyguard. They were the Round Table was based on a Roman Amphitheatre, is not crediblecompanions of the monarch and expected to die for their ruler. Like Arthur Furthermore, the they were expected to abide by a good of honor. There are definite similarities between these Dark Age warriors and the Knights of the Round Table are not modeled on . The noble swordsmen who fought for Arthur can be considered to be a historical figure but are composite figures, drawn from several sources. The story Christianised version of the knights, their heroism and chivalry are probably based on some ancient folktalesan older warrior tradition <ref>Sutcliffe, p 101</ref>. ====Warriors from folklore?====Lancelot and the early Medieval period. The French writers who introduced other heroes are all possibly derived from stories about brave companions to the Round Table into warlords and kings. It seems highly likely that many of the Arthurian cycle of tales also drew knights who served Arthur were originally based on contemporary notions figures from Folklore. One of a Christian warrior and the emerging chivalrous code, to create best-known characters among the world of the Knights knights of the Round Tableis Sir Lancelot was ultimately derived from a folktale. They also added distinctively Christian motifs such as Many scholars suggest that he was originally based on a Welsh hero. This is also the case with many others who served Arthur. Another example of this is Sir Cardoc who appears to have been based on the ancestors of the Welsh kings of Gwent. , It is accepted by many that some of the knights, mentioned in the Arthurian story-cycle are based on Celtic heroes. <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. 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]]