Primary Sources and Guides
Primary sources from the "dark age" years after the Roman Empire withdrew its troops from Britain are few and far between. These resources offer guides to help you understand what texts are available and pertinent, as well as providing modern English translations of period sources.
De Excidio Britanniae by Gildas
Although Gildas' 6th-century treatise doesn't mention Arthur, it is the earliest source we have for "Arthur's time." Here's the complete text of On the Ruin of Britain, translated by by J.A. Giles; presented in 26 sections on seven pages, online here at the Medieval History site.
Although Gildas' 6th-century treatise doesn't mention Arthur, it is the earliest source we have for "Arthur's time." Here's the complete text of On the Ruin of Britain, translated by by J.A. Giles; presented in 26 sections on seven pages, online here at the Medieval History site.
Historia Brittonum by Nennius
Nennius is the earliest writer to mention Arthur by name in a historical chronicle. Here's the complete text of The History of the Britons, translated by by J.A. Giles; presented in 66 sections on eighteen pages, online here at the Medieval History site.
Nennius is the earliest writer to mention Arthur by name in a historical chronicle. Here's the complete text of The History of the Britons, translated by by J.A. Giles; presented in 66 sections on eighteen pages, online here at the Medieval History site.
Arthurian Literature
A not-quite-so-brief guide to manuscripts and texts in which Arthur is mentioned, produced by Thomas Green.
A not-quite-so-brief guide to manuscripts and texts in which Arthur is mentioned, produced by Thomas Green.
Arthurian Sources
Excerpts and full texts of documents recounting the events of the fifth century, or of the exploits of Arthur himself, provided by Britannia Internet Magazine.
Excerpts and full texts of documents recounting the events of the fifth century, or of the exploits of Arthur himself, provided by Britannia Internet Magazine.
The Ruin and Conquest of Britain 400 AD - 600 AD
This excellent "reconstruction" by Howard Wiseman uses primary sources to provide a clear picture of the events in fifth- through seventh-century Britain and includes references to Arthur.
This excellent "reconstruction" by Howard Wiseman uses primary sources to provide a clear picture of the events in fifth- through seventh-century Britain and includes references to Arthur.