Podcast Summary: "Who Was the Real King Arthur?"
The Ancients hosted by Tristan Hughes
Release Date: January 2, 2025
Guest: Dr. Miles Russell, Archaeologist and Historian

I. Introduction to the Episode

In the January 2, 2025 episode of The Ancients, host Tristan Hughes revisits a beloved episode from the podcast's archives, delving into one of ancient history's enduring mysteries: the true identity of King Arthur. Joining him is the esteemed Dr. Miles Russell from Bournemouth University, a recurring guest known for his expertise on Roman Britain, Iron Age Britons, and the enigmatic figure of King Arthur.

II. The Legendary King Arthur: From Myth to History

Dr. Miles Russell opens the discussion by highlighting King Arthur's global recognition and the challenge of separating historical fact from mythological embellishment. He remarks, “Arthur is such an incredible character. He's a world character really. You know, he's famous everywhere...” (02:29) This universal fame makes understanding the real King Arthur a complex endeavor, as each generation reinvents him to fit contemporary narratives and cultural contexts.

III. Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Influence

The conversation pivots to Geoffrey of Monmouth’s seminal work, Historia Regum Britanniae (History of the Kings of Britain), written around 1136 AD. Dr. Russell explains, “Geoffrey of Monmouth is the first person to give us an entire life history of King Arthur...” (04:33) This text serves as the foundation for most Arthurian legends, despite its historical inaccuracies and blend of fact and fiction. Geoffrey’s work was intended to elevate Britons’ heritage, countering Anglo-Saxon-centric histories like those of Bede.

IV. The Five Historical Figures Shaping Arthur

Dr. Russell identifies five key ancient figures whose lives and stories were amalgamated by Geoffrey of Monmouth to create the composite character of King Arthur. Each figure contributes a specific percentage to the Arthurian narrative:

A. Ambrosius Aurelianus (16%)

Ambrosius Aurelianus appears in the writings of Gildas, a 6th-century cleric. Described as a noble Roman-descended Briton who successfully defended Britain against Saxon incursions, Ambrosius’s victories, particularly at the Battle of Mount Badon, laid the groundwork for Arthur’s military prowess. Dr. Russell states, “Ambrosius is treated as the immediate sort of predecessor of Arthur...” (17:49) Geoffrey integrates Ambrosius’s leadership and battlefield successes into Arthur’s character, attributing significant portions of Arthur’s story to him.

B. Magnus Maximus (39%)

Magnus Maximus, a 4th-century Roman general of Spanish origin, is the most significant contributor to the Arthurian legend, accounting for 39% of Arthur’s story. Dr. Russell outlines Maximus’s rebellion against Emperor Gratian and his subsequent military campaigns, which included conflicts in Britain and Gaul. Maximus's portrayal as a powerful warlord who defied Rome mirrors Arthur’s own defiance against invading forces. Russell notes, “Magnius Maximus is the most significant person to contribute to the Arthur tale...” (23:57) His leadership qualities and military achievements were essential traits adopted by Geoffrey to construct Arthur’s legendary heroism.

C. Constantine the Great (8%)

Constantine the Great, although primarily known for his role in the Roman Empire and the adoption of Christianity, also influences Arthur’s legend. Dr. Russell explains, “Constantine is the first emperor who literally just before he dies, he's on his deathbed, he converts to Christianity...” (29:34) Geoffrey incorporates elements of Constantine’s rise to power and his strategic military actions, albeit in a distorted form, to enhance Arthur’s authoritative and unifying presence in Britain.

D. Cassivellaunus (12%)

Cassivellaunus, an Iron Age British leader mentioned by Julius Caesar, adds another layer to Arthur’s story. Dr. Russell points out the discrepancies in Geoffrey’s accounts compared to historical records: “Geoffrey doesn't seem to have Caesar's account to hand...” (33:42) In Geoffrey’s narrative, Cassivellaunus’s military engagements against Caesar are reinterpreted, sometimes portraying him as Arthur’s adversary and other times as a precursor, leading to a blended and often contradictory representation in the Arthurian legend.

E. Arviragus (Caratarchus) (24%)

Arviragus, likely a garbled version of the historical Caratarchus, further shapes Arthur’s character. Dr. Russell describes Caratarchus as a British leader who resisted Roman rule and later allied with Rome, paralleling Arthur’s complex relationship with invading forces. “[...] the relationship between Caratarchus and Cartimanua gets evolved into sort of Arthur and Guinevere...” (39:54) This figure introduces elements of betrayal and alliance, crucial to Arthur’s narrative development.

F. Miscellaneous Elements (1%)

A minor 1% contribution includes unique additions by Geoffrey, such as Arthur’s conquests in Norway and Iceland. Dr. Russell suggests, “These are aspects that don't actually feature in any other character story in Geoffrey and Monmouth's account...” (47:07) These additions serve to grandify Arthur’s reign but are largely independent of the historical figures discussed.

V. The Composite Nature of King Arthur

Dr. Russell emphasizes that King Arthur, as depicted by Geoffrey of Monmouth, is not a singular historical figure but a composite amalgamation of multiple leaders and myths. He states, “From our perspective, he is the composite of everyone who's gone before him. Well, he's the five key characters who come before him.” (47:07) This blending creates a legendary hero embodying the strengths and stories of various real-life predecessors, making Arthur a symbol of British resilience and martial prowess.

VI. Arthurian Elements and Later Influences

The episode also explores how later Arthurian tales, such as the romances involving Lancelot, Guinevere, and the Holy Grail, diverge significantly from Geoffrey’s original portrayal. Dr. Russell compares Arthur’s brutal warlord depiction with the more humanized and romanticized versions that emerged in medieval literature. “[...] he's the ultimate warrior in the story...” (11:22) This evolution reflects changing societal values and literary trends, moving Arthur from a symbol of martial excellence to a multifaceted legendary king.

VII. Exclusions and Modern Interpretations

Interestingly, some prominent historical figures like Boudicca are notably absent from Geoffrey’s Arthurian accounts. Dr. Russell explains, “Boudicca doesn’t really feature much in Geoffrey and Monmouth's account...” (49:38) Instead, Geoffrey may have incorporated aspects of her story into male characters, such as Sodoric, illustrating the selective nature of myth-making. Additionally, modern interpretations and nationalistic narratives have revived figures like Boudicca to embody resistance and strength, though they remain separate from the core Arthurian mythos.

VIII. Conclusion

In conclusion, the episode elucidates how King Arthur, as portrayed by Geoffrey of Monmouth, is a legendary amalgam drawn from various historical and mythological figures of ancient Britain. Dr. Miles Russell provides a nuanced understanding of Arthur’s composite nature, rooted in the lives of leaders like Ambrosius Aurelianus, Magnus Maximus, Constantine the Great, Cassivellaunus, and Arviragus. This synthesis of historical narratives and oral traditions underscores the enduring allure and complexity of King Arthur as a symbol of British heritage.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Miles Russell on Arthur's global fame: “Arthur is such an incredible character. He's a world character really. You know, he's famous everywhere...” (02:29)

• Dr. Russell on Geoffrey of Monmouth’s portrayal: “He is not a very nice character from our point of view, but from the point of view, I guess, of a post Roman society, he's exactly the kind of individual you want on your side.” (11:27)

• Dr. Russell on Arthur being a composite figure: “From our perspective, he is the composite of everyone who's gone before him. Well, he's the five key characters who come before him.” (47:07)

This episode offers a compelling exploration of how historical figures and oral traditions intertwine to form the legendary King Arthur, shedding light on the complexities of myth-making and historical interpretation in ancient Britain.