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The Lost Tomb of King Arthur: The Search for Camelot and the Isle of Avalon
One man’s journey to uncover the final resting place of the historical King Arthur • Pinpoints the exact locations of Arthur’s tomb, the ruins of Camelot, and the sword Excalibur using literary research and the latest geophysics equipment • Examines previously unknown ancient manuscripts preserved in the vaults of the British Library--including one written within the living memory of Arthur’s time • Reveals the mythic king as the real-life leader Owain Ddantgwyn, who united the British to repel invasion from Germany around 500 AD One of the most enigmatic figures in world history, King Arthur has been the subject of many fantastical tales over the past 1500 years, leading many scholars to regard him and his fabled city of Camelot simply as myth. But, as Graham Phillips shows through a wealth of literary and scientific evidence, King Arthur was a real man, Camelot a real place, and the legendary Excalibur a real sword--and Phillips has located them all. Phillips examines the earliest stories of Arthur as well as previously unknown ancient manuscripts preserved in the vaults of the British Library in London, such as the work of the 9th-century monk Nennius, to pinpoint the exact locations of Arthur’s tomb, the ruins of Camelot, and the sword Excalibur. He reveals the mythic king as the real-life leader Owain Ddantgwyn, who united the British to repel invasion from Germany around 500 AD. Moving his quest from library vaults to the real sites of Arthur’s life, the author confirms his research through a Dark Age monument, hidden away in the mountains of western Britain, that bears an inscription about a powerful warlord who went by the battle title “Arthur.” He visits archaeological excavations at the ruins of Viroconium, near Wroxeter in Shropshire, clearly identifying the ancient city as Camelot, the fortified capital of Arthur’s Britain. Working with specialist divers and marine archaeologists, he surveys the depths of an ancient lake in the English countryside to reveal the resting place of Excalibur. Enlisting a team of scientists and sophisticated geophysics equipment, he uncovers the lost grave of the historical King Arthur, buried with his shield, just as told in legend. The culmination of 25 years of research, including new translations of primary source material, this book provides the necessary evidence to allow King Arthur to finally be accepted as the authentic British king he was.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2016
78 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
About the author
Graham Phillips
31 books74 followersGraham Phillips is a British author.
Phillips has a background working as a reporter for BBC radio and as a magazine editor.
Wikipedia - Graham Phillips
Phillips has a background working as a reporter for BBC radio and as a magazine editor.
Wikipedia - Graham Phillips
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 6, 2017
"Re Artù – la vera storia" è un saggio storico-letterario del divulgatore britannico Phillips Graham strutturato in maniera molto semplice: tesi, antitesi e sintesi.
Premetto che nonostante l'omonimia il corrente libro non è la traduzione di "King Arthur: the true story" del 1992 bensì di THE LOST TOMB OF KING ARTHUR del 2016. Non so perché i traduttori abbiano voluto creare confusione tra le due pubblicazioni.
Un paio di decenni fa Graham teorizzò che il ciclo bretone si ispirasse a vicende di personaggi storici realmente esistiti. Lui stesso si sarebbe premurato di identificarli incrociando più branche del sapere, quali: le cronache romane e postromane, le interpolazioni letterarie, la geografia, l'archeologia, la lingua, le tradizioni culturali e via dicendo.
In ogni capitolo dà un'infarinatura generale dell'unanime versione moderna confrontandola con le mille sfaccettature medievali; illustra le principali teorie diffuse oggigiorno; colloca le opere in un preciso contesto storico, politico, culturale e temporale; giustifica alcune interpolazioni e ne condanna altre specificando chi parlava per ignoranza e chi invece per opportunismo, giovando più a se stessi che alla veridicità dei contenuti.
Possiamo dire che in questo modo di esporre gli argomenti ci risparmia almeno un 60% di ricerca autonoma che ogni appassionato del ciclo bretone svolgerà almeno una volta nella vita. Io, perlomeno, mi appropinquavo a farlo quando questo libro mi capitò casualmente tra le mani.
La disanima è suddivisa per temi (es. Merlino; Camelot; Excaibur). Analizzando a ritroso l'evoluzione di ognuno di essi ha scoperto infatti personaggi caratterizzati in maniera totalmente diversa rispetto a ciò a cui siamo abituati e gli ha permesso di affermare, supportato da diverse prove, di aver trovato l'origine definitiva della storia di Re Artù. Il lettore a quel punto era portato a porsi domande come: a chi si ispirava Artù? A quali battaglie? Dov'era collocabile? Perchè sono state apportate tali modifiche nelle versioni letterarie? Perchè nessuno l'ha scoperto prima? Fino a che punto è affidabile?
Ebbene, Graham risponde ad ognuna di queste. Le argomentazioni su Artù, Merlino e Uther Pendragon mi sono sembrate convincenti. Quelle su Morgana e la spada nella roccia un po' meno; sono speculative e deboli, tuttavia sono coerenti con le poche fonti di cui disponiamo.
Mentre Camelot e Avalon sono “solo” singolari, la spada nella roccia invece è addirittura traumatizzante, al punto che distrugge millecinquecento anni di convinzioni potenzialmente errate nonché LA MIA INFANZIA, LA MIA ADOLESCENZA E LA MIA ETA' ADULTA. Sapevo già che la spada nella roccia ed Excalibur inizialmente non erano la medesima cosa, ma che la questione della “roccia” potesse essere un errore di traduzione mi ha sconvolta per un'intera serata. Gli/mi auguro di approfondire le questioni in sospeso e capirci qualcosa in più perché, a questo punto, non ci dormo la notte. Il ciclo bretone è sempre stata la mia zona-comfort in qualunque espressione e a qualunque età (film, cartoni, libri, musica).
Il primo frutto di questa indagine venne pubblicato nel 1992, come detto poc'anzi. Era un'opera divulgativa contenente soprattutto quelle che allora erano solo speculazioni, e che solo figure competenti - gli archelogi - avrebbero potuto confermare o smentire. Neanche a farlo apposta, quello stesso anno, a dispetto dei detrattori di Graham, il tesoro di Hoxne confermò l'esistenza di discendenti dell'onorevole gens Aurelia in quella precisa isola e in quel preciso secolo:
Nel libro del 2016 ci menziona un paio di altri casi in cui gli studiosi che nel '92 gli ridevano in faccia per certe teorie risultano essere gli stessi che nel corso dell'ultimo ventennio hanno dovuto chinare il capo perché lo sviluppo tecnologico e la curiosità accademica avevano permesso a figure più professionali di verificare (e confermare) ciò che allora risultava troppo complicato, troppo costoso, troppo stupido o troppo audace. Se non ricordo male, un altro esempio di teoria inizialmente respinta ma successivamente confermata fu la presenza di legioni romane in Britannia mezzo secolo dopo l'abbandono ufficiale dell'isola (410 d.C.) - tesi confermata da fibbie e altri oggetti di sorta tipicamente romani.
Alla luce di questi aneddoti, per me piccoli ma significativi, non riesco a considerare frottole nemmeno le teorie esposte stavolta. Ho constatato lucidità e minuzia eccezionali nel formulare, argomentare e difendere la tesi secondo cui “Artù” non era un nome proprio bensì un titolo, e apparteneva ad un preciso signore della guerra che aveva sede nell'attuale Galles; tesi che vale anche per Merlino, Uther Pendragon e Ginevra - anche se a voler essere pignoli l'ultimo caso sembra più un toponimo che un titolo. Non vi anticipo quali sarebbero gli alter ego storici perché nemmeno Wikipedia li accenna, perciò sarà per voi una vera sorpresa.
Premetto che nonostante l'omonimia il corrente libro non è la traduzione di "King Arthur: the true story" del 1992 bensì di THE LOST TOMB OF KING ARTHUR del 2016. Non so perché i traduttori abbiano voluto creare confusione tra le due pubblicazioni.
Un paio di decenni fa Graham teorizzò che il ciclo bretone si ispirasse a vicende di personaggi storici realmente esistiti. Lui stesso si sarebbe premurato di identificarli incrociando più branche del sapere, quali: le cronache romane e postromane, le interpolazioni letterarie, la geografia, l'archeologia, la lingua, le tradizioni culturali e via dicendo.
In ogni capitolo dà un'infarinatura generale dell'unanime versione moderna confrontandola con le mille sfaccettature medievali; illustra le principali teorie diffuse oggigiorno; colloca le opere in un preciso contesto storico, politico, culturale e temporale; giustifica alcune interpolazioni e ne condanna altre specificando chi parlava per ignoranza e chi invece per opportunismo, giovando più a se stessi che alla veridicità dei contenuti.
Possiamo dire che in questo modo di esporre gli argomenti ci risparmia almeno un 60% di ricerca autonoma che ogni appassionato del ciclo bretone svolgerà almeno una volta nella vita. Io, perlomeno, mi appropinquavo a farlo quando questo libro mi capitò casualmente tra le mani.
La disanima è suddivisa per temi (es. Merlino; Camelot; Excaibur). Analizzando a ritroso l'evoluzione di ognuno di essi ha scoperto infatti personaggi caratterizzati in maniera totalmente diversa rispetto a ciò a cui siamo abituati e gli ha permesso di affermare, supportato da diverse prove, di aver trovato l'origine definitiva della storia di Re Artù. Il lettore a quel punto era portato a porsi domande come: a chi si ispirava Artù? A quali battaglie? Dov'era collocabile? Perchè sono state apportate tali modifiche nelle versioni letterarie? Perchè nessuno l'ha scoperto prima? Fino a che punto è affidabile?
Ebbene, Graham risponde ad ognuna di queste. Le argomentazioni su Artù, Merlino e Uther Pendragon mi sono sembrate convincenti. Quelle su Morgana e la spada nella roccia un po' meno; sono speculative e deboli, tuttavia sono coerenti con le poche fonti di cui disponiamo.
Mentre Camelot e Avalon sono “solo” singolari, la spada nella roccia invece è addirittura traumatizzante, al punto che distrugge millecinquecento anni di convinzioni potenzialmente errate nonché LA MIA INFANZIA, LA MIA ADOLESCENZA E LA MIA ETA' ADULTA. Sapevo già che la spada nella roccia ed Excalibur inizialmente non erano la medesima cosa, ma che la questione della “roccia” potesse essere un errore di traduzione mi ha sconvolta per un'intera serata. Gli/mi auguro di approfondire le questioni in sospeso e capirci qualcosa in più perché, a questo punto, non ci dormo la notte. Il ciclo bretone è sempre stata la mia zona-comfort in qualunque espressione e a qualunque età (film, cartoni, libri, musica).
Il primo frutto di questa indagine venne pubblicato nel 1992, come detto poc'anzi. Era un'opera divulgativa contenente soprattutto quelle che allora erano solo speculazioni, e che solo figure competenti - gli archelogi - avrebbero potuto confermare o smentire. Neanche a farlo apposta, quello stesso anno, a dispetto dei detrattori di Graham, il tesoro di Hoxne confermò l'esistenza di discendenti dell'onorevole gens Aurelia in quella precisa isola e in quel preciso secolo:
Quando avanzai l’ipotesi che *** discendesse da quella linea imperiale, alcuni studiosi misero in dubbio la mia teoria sostenendo che non esistevano prove archeologiche che membri della gens Aurelia si fossero mai stabiliti in Britannia. Tuttavia, nel 1992, poco dopo l’uscita del mio libro King Arthur: The True Story, arrivò la dimostrazione che si sbagliavano. Il 16 novembre, in un campo vicino al paese di Hoxne nella contea di Suffolk, nell’Inghilterra orientale, fu dissotterrata la più vasta raccolta di manufatti romani d’oro e d’argento mai rinvenuta in Gran Bretagna. Nota come il «Tesoro di Hoxne». Gli archeologi hanno stabilito che quei preziosi tesori erano stati sepolti in una cassa all’inizio del V secolo e molti di essi recavano l’iscrizione «Aurelius». - (Cap. 7)
Nel libro del 2016 ci menziona un paio di altri casi in cui gli studiosi che nel '92 gli ridevano in faccia per certe teorie risultano essere gli stessi che nel corso dell'ultimo ventennio hanno dovuto chinare il capo perché lo sviluppo tecnologico e la curiosità accademica avevano permesso a figure più professionali di verificare (e confermare) ciò che allora risultava troppo complicato, troppo costoso, troppo stupido o troppo audace. Se non ricordo male, un altro esempio di teoria inizialmente respinta ma successivamente confermata fu la presenza di legioni romane in Britannia mezzo secolo dopo l'abbandono ufficiale dell'isola (410 d.C.) - tesi confermata da fibbie e altri oggetti di sorta tipicamente romani.
Alla luce di questi aneddoti, per me piccoli ma significativi, non riesco a considerare frottole nemmeno le teorie esposte stavolta. Ho constatato lucidità e minuzia eccezionali nel formulare, argomentare e difendere la tesi secondo cui “Artù” non era un nome proprio bensì un titolo, e apparteneva ad un preciso signore della guerra che aveva sede nell'attuale Galles; tesi che vale anche per Merlino, Uther Pendragon e Ginevra - anche se a voler essere pignoli l'ultimo caso sembra più un toponimo che un titolo. Non vi anticipo quali sarebbero gli alter ego storici perché nemmeno Wikipedia li accenna, perciò sarà per voi una vera sorpresa.
November 9, 2017
I must start by saying this is the first book I've read on the subject of identifying who King Arthur, or more likely, the man who we call King Arthur today actually is.
Graham has been researching the "truth" behind the King Arthur legend since around 1990 and this is not his only book on the subject. His research covers multiple accounts of historical events, some archaeology, the rituals, conventions and practices of the different peoples at the time (Romans, Anglos, Saxons and the Britons) and linguistic analysis. Graham unravels the fanciful claims to places such as Camelot (a name that did not exist until over 600 years after King "Arthur" is said to have lived) and King Arthur's final resting place the so-called Isle of Avalon (sorry Glastonbury). Once such claims are unravelled he then proceeds with his case for who King Arthur was, where the fortified city that inspired "Camelot" actually is and finally what and where the Isle of Avalon - "Arthur's" final resting place is.
Relative to the romanticised version of the King Arthur Legend that arose from the late 12th century onwards I found myself amazed by how much of Graham's case aligns with it and sometimes disappointed with elements that simply do not fit together. It was also fascinating to discover a few local legends about some locations that no one connected with the King Arthur story but suddenly fit like a missing piece of a jigsaw puzzle in the context the research of Graham and others that Graham agrees with.
It would take an archaeological dig to provide physical evidence for the last resting place of King Arthur, but I found this account persuasive.
I'm going to take a look at King Arthur: The Mystery Unravelled next as this book claims to solve the puzzle but the book blurb is linking Arthur to South Wales and Cornwall which, if Graham is right, is not true. I'm also reading Worlds of Arthur which, unlike Graham's book and "The Mystery Unravelled" does not start with the premise that King Arthur is real and tries to prove it, but instead looks at the historical evidence we know (and don't / cannot know) for the period and tries to explain why some think a King Arthur exists.
I won't ruin the "plot" of Graham's book, but I'll tease with a couple of snippets.
King Uther Pendragon is King "Arthur's" father. That said, Uther Pendragon is a title or sobriquet meaning "Terrible Head Dragon". They had a convention of gathering in a circle for a conference so none was favoured over another. There was no round table though. "Arth" is itself another of those sobriqets (meaning bear)- there never was a king actually named Arthur.
Has Graham truly found King Arthur?
To someone like me who is not a scholar of the history of the period Graham's account is entertaining and persuasive - more so than "The Mysrey Unravelled" which straightaway declares its King Arthur on the basis of an account written hundreds of years after King Arthur is said to have existed (not a reliable source).
I'm already discovering voices that call into question some of the things Graham holds up as evidence.
In short, we don't know for sure who King Arthur is (or is based on), where "Camelot" is and where King Arthur's final resting place is. Conclusive proof doesn't exist and it may never be discovered.
I've given this 5 stars as, regardless of whether it is true or not, I found it a compelling read that I actually set aside other reading to complete. We can but dream...
Graham has been researching the "truth" behind the King Arthur legend since around 1990 and this is not his only book on the subject. His research covers multiple accounts of historical events, some archaeology, the rituals, conventions and practices of the different peoples at the time (Romans, Anglos, Saxons and the Britons) and linguistic analysis. Graham unravels the fanciful claims to places such as Camelot (a name that did not exist until over 600 years after King "Arthur" is said to have lived) and King Arthur's final resting place the so-called Isle of Avalon (sorry Glastonbury). Once such claims are unravelled he then proceeds with his case for who King Arthur was, where the fortified city that inspired "Camelot" actually is and finally what and where the Isle of Avalon - "Arthur's" final resting place is.
Relative to the romanticised version of the King Arthur Legend that arose from the late 12th century onwards I found myself amazed by how much of Graham's case aligns with it and sometimes disappointed with elements that simply do not fit together. It was also fascinating to discover a few local legends about some locations that no one connected with the King Arthur story but suddenly fit like a missing piece of a jigsaw puzzle in the context the research of Graham and others that Graham agrees with.
It would take an archaeological dig to provide physical evidence for the last resting place of King Arthur, but I found this account persuasive.
I'm going to take a look at King Arthur: The Mystery Unravelled next as this book claims to solve the puzzle but the book blurb is linking Arthur to South Wales and Cornwall which, if Graham is right, is not true. I'm also reading Worlds of Arthur which, unlike Graham's book and "The Mystery Unravelled" does not start with the premise that King Arthur is real and tries to prove it, but instead looks at the historical evidence we know (and don't / cannot know) for the period and tries to explain why some think a King Arthur exists.
I won't ruin the "plot" of Graham's book, but I'll tease with a couple of snippets.
King Uther Pendragon is King "Arthur's" father. That said, Uther Pendragon is a title or sobriquet meaning "Terrible Head Dragon". They had a convention of gathering in a circle for a conference so none was favoured over another. There was no round table though. "Arth" is itself another of those sobriqets (meaning bear)- there never was a king actually named Arthur.
Has Graham truly found King Arthur?
To someone like me who is not a scholar of the history of the period Graham's account is entertaining and persuasive - more so than "The Mysrey Unravelled" which straightaway declares its King Arthur on the basis of an account written hundreds of years after King Arthur is said to have existed (not a reliable source).
I'm already discovering voices that call into question some of the things Graham holds up as evidence.
In short, we don't know for sure who King Arthur is (or is based on), where "Camelot" is and where King Arthur's final resting place is. Conclusive proof doesn't exist and it may never be discovered.
I've given this 5 stars as, regardless of whether it is true or not, I found it a compelling read that I actually set aside other reading to complete. We can but dream...
June 29, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was well researched and written in a persuasive yet non pushy sort of way. Unlike most historians, Graham Phillips let the research and facts form his theories and didn't cling to historical dogma.
By using all forms of scientific inquiry from various historical documents to traditional folklore Graham Phillips creates a strong case for his discovery, not only of the real historical King Arthur and his possible burial place, yet also the location of Camelot and the battlefields of Arthurian Legend.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has a love of history and the Arthurian world.
By using all forms of scientific inquiry from various historical documents to traditional folklore Graham Phillips creates a strong case for his discovery, not only of the real historical King Arthur and his possible burial place, yet also the location of Camelot and the battlefields of Arthurian Legend.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has a love of history and the Arthurian world.
December 30, 2017
Heideblume nuova arrivata tra le fila del nostro blog, si presenta all'utenza con il commento davvero esaustivo di un saggio sul ciclo bretone che susciterà l'interesse anche dei più riottosi.
http://piumaecalamaio.blogspot.it/201...
http://piumaecalamaio.blogspot.it/201...
August 30, 2021
Esaustivo ed accurato in ogni dettaglio -ma non per questo pesante, questo saggio appassionante ed affascinante è frutto di una ricerca lunga venticinque anni che l'autore ha intrapreso per verificare quanta realtà ci sia dietro la leggenda su re Artù.
E' una lettura chiara, accattivante e che scorre veloce, complice la curiosità di scoprire dove l'indagine sui simbolismi, nomi e tradizioni celtiche riecheggianti i luoghi e le persone citate nei poemi arturiani, abbia portato Phillips. Nella sua disamina, espone i contesti storico-culturali e li incrocia tra loro allo stesso modo delle informazioni che reperisce e ritraduce, in modo certosino, fornendo al lettore spiegazioni precise e ben supportate da fonti, disegni e soprattutto foto, fino a scoprire l'esistenza di una figura storica realmente esistita e molto somigliante al re Artù e al suo mondo leggendario.
Consigliatissimo, tanto agli appassionati quanto ai meno esperti!!
E' una lettura chiara, accattivante e che scorre veloce, complice la curiosità di scoprire dove l'indagine sui simbolismi, nomi e tradizioni celtiche riecheggianti i luoghi e le persone citate nei poemi arturiani, abbia portato Phillips. Nella sua disamina, espone i contesti storico-culturali e li incrocia tra loro allo stesso modo delle informazioni che reperisce e ritraduce, in modo certosino, fornendo al lettore spiegazioni precise e ben supportate da fonti, disegni e soprattutto foto, fino a scoprire l'esistenza di una figura storica realmente esistita e molto somigliante al re Artù e al suo mondo leggendario.
Consigliatissimo, tanto agli appassionati quanto ai meno esperti!!
May 6, 2018
REVEALING THE REAL KING ARTHUR
This book is captivating and will invite your mind on an expedition of discovery. I thoroughly enjoyed picking up and reading about how this search methodically narrowed down the possible location of King Arthur's grave.
The book also clarifies who King Arthur really was.
This book is captivating and will invite your mind on an expedition of discovery. I thoroughly enjoyed picking up and reading about how this search methodically narrowed down the possible location of King Arthur's grave.
The book also clarifies who King Arthur really was.
August 6, 2016
Lots of flaws, but passion shines through. I would recommend his earlier book, "King Arthur, the true story"over this one.
January 15, 2023
Ottimo saggio sulla verità storica dietro alla leggenda. L'autore, partendo dai pochi reperti e manoscritti storici ed intracciandoli con l'analisi delle opere letterarie e figurative sulla figura di Artù e della sua mitologia, cerca di far luce sulla realtà storica di un intero periodo e di una particolare regione della Gran Bretagna, provando a svelare le radici della leggenda. Scritto molto bene, per niente pesante o didascalico; in alcuni punti ha la fluidità di un vero romanzo. Consigliato.
November 27, 2020
At first, I was put off about reading this book since I don't believe we'll ever know with any confidence that a historical Arthurian figure ever existed, much less where his tomb is.
Then, when I started actually reading, I was further reticent to continue reading since the author introduced the subject with the typical load of b------s authors say when they want to reel you in. You know, the clichéd, I have made unbelievable discoveries, but I'll only tell you about my findings at the end of the book. Bleh.
But I hadn't decided yet what to read next, so I kept reading. I did end up learning some new interesting little facts and details about the origins of certain elements in the Arthurian legend.
The author has a palpable excitement about the Arthurian legend, and he has done a lot of research on the topic. However, I found that he is very much committed to finding definitive answers, and so he oversimplifies and leaps to hasty conclusions all the time. In the end, he puts forward another possible historical figure that might have inspired Arthurian legend, which didn't manage to convince me. It's worth a read to see another perspective but don't put too many expectations on the fruits of his investigations.
Then, when I started actually reading, I was further reticent to continue reading since the author introduced the subject with the typical load of b------s authors say when they want to reel you in. You know, the clichéd, I have made unbelievable discoveries, but I'll only tell you about my findings at the end of the book. Bleh.
But I hadn't decided yet what to read next, so I kept reading. I did end up learning some new interesting little facts and details about the origins of certain elements in the Arthurian legend.
The author has a palpable excitement about the Arthurian legend, and he has done a lot of research on the topic. However, I found that he is very much committed to finding definitive answers, and so he oversimplifies and leaps to hasty conclusions all the time. In the end, he puts forward another possible historical figure that might have inspired Arthurian legend, which didn't manage to convince me. It's worth a read to see another perspective but don't put too many expectations on the fruits of his investigations.
January 1, 2017
Very Compelling
I have read Mr Phillips before and am thoroughly enthralled by his research and reporting. My biggest comment is that I would have liked a little more explanation on how he connected the dots. I have been a fan of Arthurian tales since I was a child and have devoured many books about the infamous king.
While the book could have easily gotten 5 stars, the lack of explanation at the moment of discovery made it a pain. He did explain much, but having to continually flip back to previous chapters and search for his explanation made it harder to stay with the flow. Taking a brief moment to recap his previous explanation would have gone far.
Overall, a great book about a fantastic subject and well worth the read. I look forward to more tomes by Mr Phillips. Definitely buy the book!
I have read Mr Phillips before and am thoroughly enthralled by his research and reporting. My biggest comment is that I would have liked a little more explanation on how he connected the dots. I have been a fan of Arthurian tales since I was a child and have devoured many books about the infamous king.
While the book could have easily gotten 5 stars, the lack of explanation at the moment of discovery made it a pain. He did explain much, but having to continually flip back to previous chapters and search for his explanation made it harder to stay with the flow. Taking a brief moment to recap his previous explanation would have gone far.
Overall, a great book about a fantastic subject and well worth the read. I look forward to more tomes by Mr Phillips. Definitely buy the book!
June 27, 2019
Let me first say that I have read only bits of it, the ones I was more interested in (such as information about the king's, bards, etc.). The book is very well researched and the author certainly did a great job in his quest, however, in my opinion he didn't do a groundbreaking discovery, as I hoped to find in the book. His style is clear and he explains everything clearly, but at times is redundant and a bit boring.
All in all, I certainly applaude him for the throughout research he undertook, but
I was left a bit disappointed.
All in all, I certainly applaude him for the throughout research he undertook, but
I was left a bit disappointed.
August 24, 2021
A thoroughly researched argument in a field mired by academic cognitive bias. Phillips takes a different route in looking for an historical basis for the Arthurian legends. Given that Britain (England and Wales) had descended into feudal chaos following the departure of the Romans in 410, and that its separate kingdoms were being invaded by Anglo-Saxons from the south and east, Irish from the west, and Picts from the north, he makes the case for there having been been a real military coordinator to explain the decisive defeats of the Anglo-Saxons, and the subsequent period absent of Anglo-Saxon successes reported in their Chronicles. Following numerous clues, Phillips shifts the search for evidence from south-west England (where the Britons would have become annexed) to Powys and Gwynedd, and hence to Wales. One of the most powerful kingdoms at the time was Powys (then covering much of mid and north Wales and central England) and so he pieces together a chronology of their rulers. Viroconium was once the 4th largest Roman city, and is known to have undergone major redevelopment in the mid 5th century. It must, therefore, have become a sophisticated and well-fortified capital of post-Roman Powys since the other three cities — London, Corinium (Cirencester), Verulamium (St Albans) — had been overrun by late 5th century. The dragon title was used by the kings of Gwynedd, and Enniaun Girt (pronounced "Ennion") is the oldest known one. Having noted that Uthr Pen Dragon in Welsh means "Terrible Head Dragon", Phillips argues that Enniaun was the most likely factual person upon whom Uther Pendragon of the Arthurian romances was based. Also, having noted that Owain Ddantgwyn (pronounced "Owen Than-gwin"), and his descendants, were addressed involving a bear, and that that yr arth in Welsh (pronounced "ur arth") means "The Bear", then he further argues that he was the most likely factual person upon whom Arthur was based. Remarkably, Enniaun was the father of Owain, thus supporting the legends. The dragon is still used on the national flag of Wales to this day, but the bear was also the heraldic crest of the earls of Warwick (once part of the kingdom of Mercia) during the Middle Ages.
August 15, 2017
Appassionata delle leggende intorno alla figura di Re Artù, mi sono fatta prestare questo libro. La possibilità che dietro maghi, incantesimi e antiche città, ci fossero davvero personaggi reali, mi ha incuriosita. Tutto quello che sapevo di King Arthur era ciò che da bambina avevo appreso guardando il cartone animato della Disney, poi la serie Merlin e infine alcuni film sull’argomento, ultimo in ordine di tempo, quello con Charlie Hunnam e Jude Law, uscito a Maggio di quest’anno. Quando andavo a scuola, storia non era una delle materie in cui andavo meglio e quindi mi sono avvicinata al testo con la paura di perdermi tra le tante date e i numerosi avvenimenti storici che sarebbero stati citati. Invece mi sono stupita di me stessa; forse la mia “ossessione” per l’enigma di Artù è stata più forte di qualsiasi distrazione e così ho seguito senza grandi problemi i vari capitoli che compongono il libro.
La lettura, almeno a mio parere, non è troppo difficile, sebbene mantenga in tutto e per tutto i tratti di uno studio mirato e approfondito sulle ricerche condotte da Graham Phillips riguardo il mondo arturiano. Ci si muove in continuazione tra varie epoche, si citano numerosi scritti antichi e ci sono tanti nomi da ricordare, alcuni provenienti da un gallese antico difficile persino da pronunciare. Ma nonostante questo le ricerche sono così appassionate, si vede che chi le ha condotte era realmente intenzionato a scovare l’Artù storico, da regalare piacevoli momenti di lettura.
È un libro che consiglio vivamente agli appassionati del genere, ma anche ai profani curiosi perché è davvero illuminante e, ripeto, proprio per il modo in cui è stato scritto e strutturato si lascia leggere da chiunque.
Le leggende nascono sempre da un fondo di verità e Graham, attraverso il materiale raccolto in favore della propria ipotesi, ci fa capire che la leggenda di Artù, valoroso re di Camelot, non fa di certo eccezione.
La lettura, almeno a mio parere, non è troppo difficile, sebbene mantenga in tutto e per tutto i tratti di uno studio mirato e approfondito sulle ricerche condotte da Graham Phillips riguardo il mondo arturiano. Ci si muove in continuazione tra varie epoche, si citano numerosi scritti antichi e ci sono tanti nomi da ricordare, alcuni provenienti da un gallese antico difficile persino da pronunciare. Ma nonostante questo le ricerche sono così appassionate, si vede che chi le ha condotte era realmente intenzionato a scovare l’Artù storico, da regalare piacevoli momenti di lettura.
È un libro che consiglio vivamente agli appassionati del genere, ma anche ai profani curiosi perché è davvero illuminante e, ripeto, proprio per il modo in cui è stato scritto e strutturato si lascia leggere da chiunque.
Le leggende nascono sempre da un fondo di verità e Graham, attraverso il materiale raccolto in favore della propria ipotesi, ci fa capire che la leggenda di Artù, valoroso re di Camelot, non fa di certo eccezione.
May 16, 2021
I love Arthurian Literature, lore, and its relation to English History so when I read the title I had to have this book. It is a great book from someone who has researched and explored every corner and gravestone of England. It was an interesting read but I had trouble relating, remembering, and recalling the old Welsh names, every day terms, and towns. I would love to read more about Viconium and the stories behind the great medieval town. Read more to find out about it. I believe that is what it was missing. Stories to help give more meaning to the Welsh text and perhaps there were no more stories to tell to all of the welsh names. Well done research, it was hard to read at the end with words that constantly needed redefining.
July 28, 2023
The words if, may have, and possibly do a lot of heavy lifting in this book. At the same time the author lays out a cogent, well-researched argument while recognizing and often refuting the conventional train of thought. You can’t fault the author for his commitment to digging up original sources, consulting with known experts, or investigating the actual sites in person.
This reminded me of the books of Graham Hancock. The author incorporates archaeology, history, and linguistics into his theories. He explains thoroughly to the reader with ample maps and diagrams, and it’s a good thing too as Old Welsh names and words get very confusing.
In the end, I am only somewhat convinced by the author. However, everyone thought Troy was a myth until someone found it.
This reminded me of the books of Graham Hancock. The author incorporates archaeology, history, and linguistics into his theories. He explains thoroughly to the reader with ample maps and diagrams, and it’s a good thing too as Old Welsh names and words get very confusing.
In the end, I am only somewhat convinced by the author. However, everyone thought Troy was a myth until someone found it.
January 3, 2022
I enjoyed, it was a really interesting idea and investigation into post Roman Britain but there was so much new information and names thrown at me that it was difficult to keep everyone straight in my mind.
A lot of the book used arguments around linguistics. Like these two words or names sound similar so that may be a clue. And I guess that can happen but I can't really confirm if those connections are correct though.
But the dive into Celtic mythology and post Roman British history was extremely interesting. Might have to reread in a few weeks or so to see if I can follow the names and connections.
A lot of the book used arguments around linguistics. Like these two words or names sound similar so that may be a clue. And I guess that can happen but I can't really confirm if those connections are correct though.
But the dive into Celtic mythology and post Roman British history was extremely interesting. Might have to reread in a few weeks or so to see if I can follow the names and connections.
August 3, 2018
I really really enjoyed this book. Regardless of whether it is true or not, this book is very captivating and persuasive and very well researched ( I watched a TV show also). Graham Phillips has been determined to find the man behind the myth, real King Arthur. And this is the most convincing book about King Arthur, and his existence that I read. I hope this theory will be true one day (I hope soon - we can dream).
July 29, 2019
Fascinating, thoroughly researched and very well-written!
I enjoyed this read very much. I respect the authors very thorough and meticulous research and am inclined to agree that he has indeed discovered the true historical King Arthur and his resting place. I could hardly put this book down - it was such a page-turner! As a history and Celtic mythology enthusiast, this book was a gold mine! Highly recommended!
I enjoyed this read very much. I respect the authors very thorough and meticulous research and am inclined to agree that he has indeed discovered the true historical King Arthur and his resting place. I could hardly put this book down - it was such a page-turner! As a history and Celtic mythology enthusiast, this book was a gold mine! Highly recommended!
July 4, 2019
Il primo amore non si scorda mai e Re Artù è sicuramente stato il mio. Questo libro ne ricostruisce le tracce reali, dalla vera identità alla probabile sepoltura. Ha un solo difetto: mi ha messo una tremenda voglia di visitare mezza Gran Bretagna 😊
December 19, 2023
The author definitely starts at Genesis and assumes you know nothing about anything relevant to the topic. At times that is annoying, at times amusing,and honestly, at times appreciated. I think Mr. Phillips is on to something, and if I ever win the lottery, I would fund further research.
March 23, 2018
Fascinating! I learned so much about the history of England from this book.
July 28, 2020
Una vera ricerca sull'Artù storico e un sacco di curiosità su mitologia e posti che hanno di questo personaggio il Re in Eterno.
January 21, 2022
Truly fascinating but not a mindless read. There's a rather overwhelming amount of names, locations and translations throughout each page of the book.
August 9, 2022
Great read for fans of King Arthur
December 30, 2022
Speculative
March 30, 2025
Interesting and meticulously researched, this book
,by Graham Phillips offers a theory for the true identity of the legendary 'King Arthur'.
,by Graham Phillips offers a theory for the true identity of the legendary 'King Arthur'.
February 7, 2023
Ottimo saggio riguardante una teoria molto credibile a proposito di un eventuale "re Artù" storico. Molto appassionante.
May 24, 2016
King Arthur is one of the most enigmatic figures in world history that has become familiar to us through many medieval tales, fables, novels, movies and TV series. This had lead many scholars to regard King Arthur as a myth. However, Graham Phillips has been determined to find the man behind the myth (if he exists) and has described his historical detective tale in this fast paced, well-written book. The book also includes maps and illustrations where relevant.
Graham Phillips examines the earliest stories of Arthur as well as a variety of ancient manuscripts to determine the exact locations of Camelot, Arthur’s tomb, and the sword Excalibur. In addition, the author visits various ancient monuments and post-Roman ruins to verify the literature. Graham Phillips has shown through a substantial quantity of literary and scientific evidence, that King Arthur was a real man who unified the Britons to repel invasions from the Anglo-Saxons around 500 AD and that Camelot did in fact exist. He has also determined the location of Camelot and King Arthur's burial place, however this would require expensive archaeological excavations to verify.
I have no desire to spoil the interesting and exciting detective work elucidated in this book by explaining the findings, so if you want to know the identity of Arthur, the location of Camelot, where King Arthur is probably buried, then you need to read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and definitely think the author is onto something. I can't wait for someone, with too much money, to spend a little on excavating what is possibly King Arthur's tomb.
Graham Phillips examines the earliest stories of Arthur as well as a variety of ancient manuscripts to determine the exact locations of Camelot, Arthur’s tomb, and the sword Excalibur. In addition, the author visits various ancient monuments and post-Roman ruins to verify the literature. Graham Phillips has shown through a substantial quantity of literary and scientific evidence, that King Arthur was a real man who unified the Britons to repel invasions from the Anglo-Saxons around 500 AD and that Camelot did in fact exist. He has also determined the location of Camelot and King Arthur's burial place, however this would require expensive archaeological excavations to verify.
I have no desire to spoil the interesting and exciting detective work elucidated in this book by explaining the findings, so if you want to know the identity of Arthur, the location of Camelot, where King Arthur is probably buried, then you need to read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and definitely think the author is onto something. I can't wait for someone, with too much money, to spend a little on excavating what is possibly King Arthur's tomb.
May 8, 2016
King Arthur. Two magic words for me. Also for Graham Phillips who has put in an amazing amount of work to research 'The Lost Tomb of King Arthur'. His conclusions challenge the 'Arthur Heritage Industry' so may cause upset to believers in the Arthurian significance of Glastonbury and Tintagel. I agree with Graham Phillips on this point. These two places have a power and fascination of their own, but this energy is entirely unrelated to our once and future king.
For me the answers to the mystery of Arthur lie in Wales. Particularly in the South, the area of the Silures. Graham Phillips's research takes him to a different area of Britain. Still fascinating however, and the place where he believes Arthur to be buried sounds plausible.
I was particularly struck by Graham Phillips's theory that one (or more) druidically trained healing communities lived on lake islands in Britain and that Excalibur was cast into one of these lakes as an offering to the goddess (or god) when Arthur was mortally wounded.
One thing is made absolutely clear by this book. We Britons are walking on our heritage. So much evidence, so many precious objects lie hidden in the ground. And we are forbidden to dig! Archaeologists only, which is totally reasonable, but there is never the funding to carry out these investigations.
'The Lost Tomb of King Arthur' is a fascinating addition to the Arthur quest and was much enjoyed by me.
For me the answers to the mystery of Arthur lie in Wales. Particularly in the South, the area of the Silures. Graham Phillips's research takes him to a different area of Britain. Still fascinating however, and the place where he believes Arthur to be buried sounds plausible.
I was particularly struck by Graham Phillips's theory that one (or more) druidically trained healing communities lived on lake islands in Britain and that Excalibur was cast into one of these lakes as an offering to the goddess (or god) when Arthur was mortally wounded.
One thing is made absolutely clear by this book. We Britons are walking on our heritage. So much evidence, so many precious objects lie hidden in the ground. And we are forbidden to dig! Archaeologists only, which is totally reasonable, but there is never the funding to carry out these investigations.
'The Lost Tomb of King Arthur' is a fascinating addition to the Arthur quest and was much enjoyed by me.
February 27, 2021
A lot of suppositions but the History lessons in it contained are beautifully and romantically narrated.
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