Artorius: The Real King Arthur

Two Arthurian experts argue that the man whose story started the Arthurian myth was a soldier named Lucius Artorius Castus who lived at the end of the second century AD. His extraordinary career took him from one end of the Roman Empire to the other, bringing him into contact with tribespeople among the Steppe nomads, such as the Sarmatians, who have been thought to be the inspiration behind Arthurs Knights of the Round Table. The authors provide a fascinating detective story following the life of Lucius Artorius Castus against the colorful backdrop of the history of the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and his son, Commodus.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

The quest for the historical figure behind what is arguably the most renowned cycle of legends in history has been an unwavering pursuit throughout the ages. Here, two esteemed Arthurian experts present their compelling argument that the man whose story ignited the Arthurian myth was a soldier named Lucius Artorius Castus, who lived towards the end of the second century AD. Castus' remarkable career spanned across the vast expanse of the Roman Empire, leading him to interact with diverse communities, including the Steppe nomads, particularly the Sarmatians. For several decades, the Sarmatians have been believed to be the source of inspiration for Arthur's Knights of the Round Table, as well as other British tales. Through a captivating detective story, the authors unravel the intricate connections between Artorius and the legend, shedding light on the myriad threads that weave together this captivating narrative.

Lucius Artorius Castus, a soldier of remarkable talent and ambition, lived in the closing years of the second century AD. His life was a testament to the vastness and diversity of the Roman Empire, as he traversed its territories from one end to the other. Castus' military career took him far beyond the boundaries of Rome, exposing him to the diverse cultures and customs of the people he encountered. Among these communities were the Sarmatians, a nomadic people known for their fierce independence and warrior spirit.

It is believed that the Sarmatians played a significant role in shaping the legend of Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Sarmatians were known for their skilled horsemanship and their mastery of archery, which were essential skills for knights in the medieval era. The tales of Arthur and his companions riding into battle on their noble steeds, armed with their trusty bows and swords, are reminiscent of the Sarmatian warrior culture.

Furthermore, the Sarmatians were also known for their loyalty and bravery in battle. They were often hired as mercenaries by various Roman rulers, and their reputation for fighting with distinction made them a sought-after group. This association with warfare and adventure further contributed to the mythological portrayal of Arthur and his knights.

The authors of this book have undertaken a fascinating detective story, tracing the life of Lucius Artorius Castus against the backdrop of the history of the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and his son, the barely sane Commodus. Through their research and analysis, they have uncovered numerous links between Artorius and the legend of Arthur. They argue that Castus was a real-life soldier who served under the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and played a significant role in the empire's expansion into the Eurasian Steppe.

During his time in the military, Castus encountered the Sarmatians and developed a deep respect for their culture and way of life. He was particularly fascinated by their archery skills and their ability to ride horses at incredible speeds. These experiences likely influenced the portrayal of Arthur and his knights in the medieval literature, as they were often depicted as skilled warriors and horsemen.

Furthermore, the authors suggest that Castus may have been the inspiration for the character of Lancelot, one of Arthur's most famous knights. Lancelot was known for his loyalty, bravery, and his love for the beautiful Guinevere. Castus, with his military background and his admiration for the Sarmatians, could have been the source of the inspiration for Lancelot's character traits.

The book also delves into the historical context of the Roman Empire and the political intrigues that were prevalent during the reign of Marcus Aurelius and his son. The authors provide a detailed account of the empire's expansion into the Eurasian Steppe and the challenges that it faced. They argue that the Sarmatians played a crucial role in the empire's defense against the nomadic tribes that threatened its borders.

In conclusion, this book offers a compelling argument that the man whose story ignited the Arthurian myth was a soldier named Lucius Artorius Castus. Through their meticulous research and analysis, the authors have uncovered numerous links between Artorius and the legend of Arthur. They have demonstrated that Castus was a real-life soldier who served under the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and played a significant role in the empire's expansion into the Eurasian Steppe. The book also provides a fascinating detective story, tracing the life of Lucius Artorius Castus against the colourful backdrop of the history of the reigns.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398112155