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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 a number of 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 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 '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 story of 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 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 Who were the Knights of the 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. The table was round, unlike Unlike the typical rectangular version , the table was round because there was to be no knight who sat at the head of the table. It was a symbol of equality and represented the fellowship of all the knights. 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> Sutcliff, Rosemary. The sword and the circle: King Arthur and the knights of the round table (London, Random House, 2013), p 167</ref> There were 100 knights in attendance on Arthur , but there was room at the table for up to fifty more.

As was his custom the , Camelot's ruler of Camelot asked the advice of the magician Merlin, with regard to concerning selecting more knights who would serve him and protect his realm. The wizard was to select the knights based on their nobility and their record of chivalry. Merlin assembled the required number , 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 that was to be destined for a great knight, this . This was ultimately revealed to be Sir Galahad. The number of knights varied from story to story. The Arthur's group of noble warriors is charged by Arthur with keeping peace in the land, protecting the weak, and they were expected to abide by a stern code of chivalry.<ref> Sutcliffe, p 145</ref>

After their formation , they slay may many dragons and monsters , making the land safe and also subdue the Arthur's enemies of Arthur. The adventures 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 Supper, and their subsequent adventures are portrayed in many medieval works. The works vary but several of the knights, including Galahad, secured the grail. Despite their chivalrous code, the majority of the most knights were killed on a variety of battlefields or searching for the grail. The New members replaced the dead were replaced by new members , but some sources present them as inferior in character and bravery to the original band. Only a handful of knights survived the terrible Battle of Camlann, which left Arthur mortally wounded. 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 to that celebrated knight of the Round Table (London, J. R. and JE Taylor, 1839)</ref> There is no more mention of the Round Table, but it was presumably destroyed when Camelot was sacked and razed to 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 period.

Only a handful of knights survived the terrible Battle of Camlann, which left Arthur mortally wounded. The warriors' brotherhood effectively ended after the battle, and the handful of survivors became monks or wanders.<div class="portal" style='float:rightref> Syr Gawayne; widtha collection of ancient romance-poems, by Scottish and English authors:35%'relating to that celebrated Knight of the Round Table (London, J. R. and JE Taylor, 1839)</ref>There is no more mention of the Round Table, but it was presumably destroyed when Camelot was sacked and razed to the ground by the treacherous King of Cornwall. The Knights of the Round Table stories have proven enormously influential and helped spread chivalry and courtly love ideas in the Medieval period.

==Winchester Round Table==Related Articles===={{#dpl:category=British History|ordermethod=firstedit|order=descending|count=7}}</div>Winchester Castle is one of the greatest castles in England, and it played an essential part in English history. It was originally built by William the Conqueror and later rebuilt by Henry II, the Angevin Empire's ruler. There is around oaken table hanging on the wall in the Great Hall, which is brightly painted. This was reputed to be the original Round Table, of the loyal warriors of Arthur, and around which they agreed to search for the Holy 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 They would typically be high-born warriors who had been trained since childhood in the Dark Agesart of war. These may have been sub-kings or chieftains, when as we and they often helped him to administer his territory. These elite warriors would have seen warlords carved out been similar to the ‘sworn swords’ who had pledged to fight for their own kingdoms lord or king and fought endless warsoften acted as his personal bodyguard. Now an examination They were the companions of Romano-British the monarch and Celtic culture can help us expected to understand the inspiration die for the story about the gallant knightstheir ruler. 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 Furthermore, they often helped him were expected to administer his territoryabide by a good of honor. These elite There are definite similarities between these Dark Age 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 Knights of the monarch and expected to die Round Table. The noble swordsmen who fought for their rulerArthur can be considered a Christianised version of an older warrior tradition <ref>Sutcliffe, p 101</ref>.

Furthermore, they were expected ==Warriors from folklore?==Lancelot and the other heroes are all possibly derived from stories about brave companions to abide by a good the warlords and kings. It seems highly likely that many of honorthe knights who served Arthur were originally based on Folklore figures. There are definite similarities between these Dark Age warriors and One of the Knights of best-known characters among the Round Tableknights is Sir Lancelot was ultimately derived from a folktale. The noble swordsmen Many scholars suggest that he was originally based on a Welsh hero. This is also the case with many others who fought for served Arthur can be considered . Another example of this is Sir Caradoc, who appears to be a Christianised version have been based on the Welsh kings of Gwent's ancestors. Many of an older warrior tradition the knights mentioned in the Arthurian story-cycle are accepted by many that some knights are based on Celtic heroes. <ref>SutcliffeFrank A. Milne, p 101A. Nutt. “Arthur and Gorlagon,” Folklore 15, no. 1 [1904], 40-67</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 has been suggested that many Arthur’s band of the knights who served Arthur loyal men were originally based on figures very ancient warrior fellowships from Folklore. One of the best-known characters among the knights of the Round Table is Sir Lancelot was ultimately derived from a folktaleCeltic myths. Many scholars suggest Some believe that he was originally based on a Welsh hero. This is also the case with many others who served Arthur. Another example some of this is Sir Cardoc who appears to have been based on the ancestors of the Welsh kings of Gwent. heroes, It is accepted by many that some of the knightssuch as Sir Gawain and his adventures, mentioned in the Arthurian story-cycle are based on Celtic heroesEuropean myths and lore. </ref> Frank AW. Milne, AP. NuttKer. “Arthur and Gorlagon”“The Roman Dumézilvan Walewein (Gawain), ” Folklore 155, no. 1 2 [19041894], 40121-678 </ref> It is also entirely possible that the emblematic Round Table was also sourced from a now lost folk tale.

It has been suggested that Arthur’s band of loyal men were based on very ancient warrior fellowships from Celtic myths. ==Conclusion==There are also those so many great legends involving the heroic band who believe that some served King Arthur. Modern media has popularized these stories all over the globe. The story of the fellowship of the heroes such as Sir Gawain and his adventures are Round Table was most likely an invention, but it may have been based on European myths and lore.</ref>W. P. Ker. “The Roman Dumézilvan Walewein (Gawain)”some historical precedent, Folklore 5, nobut we do not simply know. 2 [1894]The story held in Winchester Castle is a charming fabrication, 121-8 </ref> It is also entirely possible while the theory that the emblematic Round Table was also sourced 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 a now lost folk taleseveral sources.

====Conclusion====There The knights' story, heroism, and chivalry are so many great legends involving probably based on ancient folktales from the heroic band early Medieval period. The French writers who served King Arthur. Modern media has popularized these stories all over 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 globe. The story world of the fellowship 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 They also added distinctively Christian motifs such as the Holy Grail to the story that it is held in Winchester Castle is a charming fabrication, while of Arthur’s companions. This led them to produce the theory that memorable tales of 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. ====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