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King Arthur'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, playplays, tv -series , and of course , movies. One of the most fascinating stories in the Arthurian cycle of legends 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 One of the Middle Ages to abide by fascinating stories in the code Arthurian cycle of legends is those on adventures of chivalry. However, did the Knights of the Round Table exist and . They are they based on historical figures. This article examines if among the fabled knights have some basis best-known characters in fact. It argues that the story Arthurian cycle of stories, including memorable figures as Lancelot, Gawain, and Perceval. The knights who gathered around the Round Table probably has no real basis in fact, but that circular table are regarded as the chivalrous warriors were likely based on stories paragons of elite fighters who fought for early medieval warlords and possible some historical figures whose memory survived in folkloreknightly 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 likely based on stories of elite fighters who fought for early medieval warlords and possibly some historical figures whose memory survived in folklore. ====The What is 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 . 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 several 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 French writers later took it up. 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 a Breton poet's work 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 Quest for the Holy Grail's story 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 are 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 some place names in Wales and England are called after the Table, all of these are probably later inventions.

The source ==Who were the Knights of the Arthurian legend is in a number Round Table?==[[File: Knights Three.jpg|300px|thumb|left|A medieval depiction of Welsh chronicles and epic poems. In these Arthur is a ‘king’ who fights many battles against the Anglo-Saxons. His story Round Table]]The Round Table was well-known and became popular , according to the sources, a large circular table and it was later taken so big that up by French writersto 150 knights could be seated at it. These added Unlike the typical rectangular version, the table was round because there was to be no knight who sat at the Welsh tales and added many head of the characters table. It was a symbol of equality and represented the details that we are fellowship of all now familiar withthe knights. The first reference According to the Knights of Arthurian cycle, the Round Table table was in a gift to Arthur and his Queen Guinevere from her father, a monarch.<ref> Sutcliff, Rosemary. The sword and the circle: King Arthur and the work knights of a Breton poet the round table (London, Random House, 2013), p 167</ref> There were 100 knights in attendance on Arthur, but there was room at the 11th centurytable for up to fifty more.

Later poets added details to As was his custom, Camelot's ruler asked the advice of the Knights magician Merlin concerning selecting more knights who would serve him and created characters such as Gawainprotect his realm. Chrétien de Troyes is widely credited with weaving The wizard was to select the story knights based on their nobility and their record of the Quest for the Holy Grail into the tale of the Knights of the Round Tablechivalry.<ref> Littleton, p 123</ref> de Troyes had the knights search for Merlin assembled the Grailrequired number, which was the cup used by Jesus and the Apostles during the Last Supperhe ordained that they should treat each as brothers. Since then Each knight had their own particular place at the Knights of the Round Table have become an integral part of the much-loved Arthurian cycle of storiestable. HoweverOne chair was left unfilled, there are practically no other references and that was to be destined for a great knight. This was ultimately revealed to the be Sir Galahad. The number of knights and the Round Table in any other medieval sources, other than those associated varied from story to story. Arthur's group of noble warriors is charged with the Arthurian legends. Although there are some place names keeping peace in Wales and England that are called after the site of land, protecting the Tableweak, all and they were expected to abide by a stern code of these are probably later inventionschivalry. <ref> Sutcliffe, p 145</ref>

====The Knights of After their formation, they slay many dragons and monsters, making the Round Table====[[File: Knights Threeland safe and subdue Arthur's enemies.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A medieval depiction The adventures of the Round Table]]The Round Table was according to heroes inspired some great literature, such as Sir Gawain and the sources a large circular table and was so big that up to 150 knights could be seated at itGreen Knight. The table was round, unlike the typical rectangular version because there was knights vow to be no knight who sat at the head of the table. It was go on a symbol of equality and represented the fellowship of all the knights. According quest to retrieve the Arthurian cycleHoly Grail, the table was a gift to Arthur and his Queen Guinevere cup from her fatherthe Last Supper, who was also a monarch.<ref> Sutcliff, Rosemaryand their subsequent adventures are portrayed in many medieval works. The sword and the circle: King Arthur and works vary but several of the knights of the round table (London, Random Houseincluding Galahad, 2013)secured the grail. Despite their chivalrous code, p 167</ref> There most knights were 100 knights in attendance killed on Arthur a variety of battlefields or searching for the grail. New members replaced the dead, but there was room at some sources present them as inferior in character and bravery to the table for up to fifty moreoriginal band.

As was his custom the ruler Only a handful of Camelot asked knights survived the advice terrible Battle of the magician MerlinCamlann, with regard to selecting more knights who would serve him and protect his realmwhich left Arthur mortally wounded. The wizard was to select warriors' brotherhood effectively ended after the knights based on their nobility battle, and their record the handful of chivalrysurvivors became monks or wanders. Merlin assembled the required number <ref> Syr Gawayne; a collection of ancient romance-poems, by Scottish and he ordained English authors: relating to that they should treat each as brotherscelebrated Knight of the Round Table (London, J. Each knight had their own particular place at the tableR. One chair was left unfilled and that JE Taylor, 1839)</ref> There is no more mention of the Round Table, but it was to be destined for a great knight, this presumably destroyed when Camelot was ultimately revealed sacked and razed to be Sir Galahad. The number the ground by the treacherous King of knights varied from story to storyCornwall. The group Knights of noble warriors is charged by Arthur with keeping peace in the land, protecting the weak, Round Table stories have proven enormously influential and they were expected to abide by a stern code of helped spread chivalryand courtly love ideas in the Medieval period.<ref> Sutcliffe, p 145</ref>

After their formation they slay may dragons and monsters making the land safe and also subdue the enemies of Arthur. The adventures ==Winchester Round Table==Winchester Castle is one of the heroes inspired some great literature such as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The knights vow to go on a quest to retrieve the Holy Grail, the cup from the Last Suppergreatest castles in England, and their subsequent adventures are portrayed it played an essential part in many medieval worksEnglish history. The works vary but several of It was originally built by William the knightsConqueror and later rebuilt by Henry II, including Galahad, secured the grailAngevin Empire's ruler. Despite their chivalrous code, the majority of the knights were killed There is around oaken table hanging on a variety of battlefields or searching for the grail. The dead were replaced by new members but some sources present them as inferior wall in character and bravery to the original band. Only a handful of knights survived the terrible Battle of CamlannGreat Hall, which left Arthur mortally woundedis brightly painted. 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-poems, by Scottish and English authors: relating This was reputed to that celebrated knight of be the original Round Table (London, J. R. and JE Taylor, 1839)</ref>. There is no more mention of the Round Tableloyal warriors of Arthur, but it was presumably destroyed when Camelot was sacked and razed around which they agreed to search for the ground by the treacherous King of Cornwall. The stories of the Knights of the Round Table have proven enormously influential and helped to spread ideas of chivalry and courtly-love in the Medieval periodHoly Grail.

====Winchester Round Table====Winchester Castle In fact, this table is one not from the period when the ruler of the greatest castles in England and it played a very important part in English historyCamelot reigned. It was originally probably built by William as part of one of the Conqueror and later rebuilt by Henry II, the ruler of many ‘round table’ tournaments in Europe during the Angevin EmpireMiddle Ages. In the Great HallThese were tournaments with jousting, ceremonies, there is a round oaken and festivities and were based on Arthurian legend. This Round table hanging was probably made on the wallorders of King Edward I during one such celebration.<ref>Morris, which is brightly paintedMark. This was reputed to be "Edward I and the Knights of the original Round Table, ." Foundations of the loyal warriors Medieval Scholarship: Records edited in Honour of Arthur, and around which they agreed to search for the Holy Grail. David Crook (2009)</ref>

In fact, this table is not ==The Amphitheater theory==The Romans had occupied much of modern-day Britain from the period when 1st to the ruler of Camelot reignedearly 5th century. It was probably They transformed British society, and they built as part roads and cities throughout the island. During their centuries of rule, the local people were often Romanized, especially those who lived in towns and cities. They adopted Roman norms and customs, and one of the many ‘round table’ tournaments that occurred in Europe during most popular of these was the Middle Agesgames, especially gladiatorial games.<ref> Zienkiewicz, J. David. These were tournaments with joustingCaerleon's legionary fortress baths: The buildings. Vol. 1 (Cardiff, ceremoniesNational Museum of Wales, 1986</ref> Many Romano-British cities and festivities towns had amphitheaters, and were based on Arthurian legendthe remaining evidence, they hosted Roman-style games. Many of these can still be seen, and there were a great many in Britain at one time. This Round table In 2010 a theory emerged that was probably made widely reported in the media and on the orders of King Edward I during one such celebrationinternet.<REF>Morris, Mark. "Edward I and A historian claimed that the amphitheaters inspired the Knights legend of the Round Table." Foundations of Medieval Scholarship: Records edited in Honour of David Crook (2009)</ref>He claimed that the circular buildings formed the basis for the round table legend.

====The Amphitheater theory====The Romans had occupied much of modern-day Britain from the 1st to the early 5th centuryHis argument was as follows. They transformed British society and they built roads and cities throughout After the island. During their centuries of ruleRomans' withdrawal, the local people were often Romanized, especially those who lived continued to live in the cities at least in towns the fifth and citiessixth centuries. They adopted Roman norms and customs and one of Local Brythonic warlords led the most popular of these was fight against the gamesAnglo-Saxons, especially gladiatorial gamesand others used these declining urban centers as strongholds.<ref> ZienkiewiczThe amphitheaters were perfect assembly points, J. David. The legionary fortress baths at Caerleon: The and presumably, a local leader would gather his fighting men in these buildingsfor meetings. Vol. 1 (CardiffFrom this practice, National Museum of Wales, 1986</ref> Many Romano-British cities and towns had amphitheaters and based on there emerged the remaining evidence they hosted Roman style games. Many story of these can still be seen and at one time there were a great many in Britaingroup of Christian knights. In 2010 a However, the theory emerged that was widely reported in the media and on the internet. A historian claimed that the abandoned Roman amphitheaters inspired the legend Knights of the Round Tablestories is a controversial one. He claimed There is no archaeological or documentary evidence that these Roman constructions had been used in the buildings which are circular formed the basis for the round table legendDark Ages or Romano-British warriors.

His argument was as follows, after the withdrawal ==Arthur and his warband==The origin of the Romans, the local people continued to live Arthurian legend is in the cities at least in the fifth Dark Ages, when, as we have seen, warlords carved out their own kingdoms and sixth centuriesfought endless wars. Local Brythonic warlords led the fight against the AngloAn examination of Romano-Saxons British 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 in these buildings, Celtic culture can help us understand the inspiration for meetings. From this practice there emerged the story of a group of Christian about the gallant knights. However, the theory that abandoned Roman amphitheaters inspired the stories of the Knights of the Round Table is a controversial Arthur was based on one. There is no archaeological or documentary evidence that these Roman constructionsmore Brythonic warlords, who would have had been used in the Dark Ages or by Romano-British warriorsan elite group of fighters.<ref>Sutcliffe, p 17</ref>

====Arthur and his warband====The origin of the Arthurian legend is in the Dark Ages, when as we have seen warlords carved out their own kingdoms and fought endless wars. Now an examination of Romano-British and Celtic culture can help us to understand the inspiration for the story about the gallant knights. Arthur was based on one or more Brythonic warlords, who would have had an elite group of fighters.<ref>Sutcliffe, p 17</ref>. They would typically be high-born warriors who had been trained since childhood in the art of war. 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 ‘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.

Furthermore, 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. 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 other heroes are all possibly derived from stories about brave companions to the warlords and kings. It seems highly likely that many of the knights who served Arthur were originally based on Folklore figures from Folklore. One of the best-known characters among the knights of the Round Table knights is Sir Lancelot was ultimately derived from a folktale. 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 Caradoc, who appears to have been based on the ancestors of the Welsh kings of Gwent's ancestors. , It is accepted by many that some Many of the knights, mentioned in the Arthurian story-cycle are accepted by many that some knights are based on Celtic heroes. <ref> Frank A. Milne, A. Nutt. “Arthur and Gorlagon”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 Some 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 knights' 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.

====Further Reading====

Wright, Thomas, ed. La Mort D'Arthure: The History of King Arthur and of the Knights of the Round Table. Vol. 3. JR Smith, 1858