When was King Arthur born and died? This has been a topic of great interest and debate among historians and enthusiasts for centuries. King Arthur, a legendary British leader who, according to medieval histories and romances, led the Britons against Saxon invaders in the late 5th and early 6th centuries, remains a figure of immense fascination. Despite the many myths and legends surrounding him, the exact dates of his birth and death remain shrouded in mystery.
The story of King Arthur has been passed down through various sources, including the works of Geoffrey of Monmouth, a 12th-century Welsh historian, and the tales of Sir Thomas Malory in “Le Morte d’Arthur.” These sources provide conflicting accounts of Arthur’s life, making it difficult to pinpoint the precise dates of his birth and death.
Geoffrey of Monmouth, in his work “Historia Regum Britanniae,” suggests that King Arthur was born in the year 502 and died in 544. This timeline places his reign from 516 to 539. However, this account is largely based on the legend rather than historical evidence. Many historians argue that the historical King Arthur, if he existed at all, would have lived much earlier, around the 5th century.
Some scholars propose that the real-life inspiration for King Arthur was Ambrosius Aurelianus, a British leader who fought against the Saxon invasions in the 5th century. According to these historians, Ambrosius Aurelianus was born around 450 and died in 488. If this is true, then the legendary King Arthur would have been born around 450 and died around 488, placing his reign from 466 to 488.
Another theory suggests that King Arthur was a fictional character created by Geoffrey of Monmouth, and as such, there is no historical evidence to support his existence. This perspective posits that the story of King Arthur is a literary construct, and the dates of his birth and death are mere inventions.
In conclusion, the question of when King Arthur was born and died remains a topic of debate. While Geoffrey of Monmouth’s account suggests he was born in 502 and died in 544, many historians argue that the historical King Arthur, if he existed, would have lived much earlier. Whether King Arthur was a real historical figure or a fictional character, his legacy continues to captivate the imagination of people around the world.
