Historia Brittonum
Quick Summary
The Historia Brittonum is a miscellaneous collection of historical and topographical information compiled or revised by Nennius, a Welsh antiquary, around 800 CE. This work provides details on the inhabitants and invaders of Britain and includes the earliest known reference to the British king Arthur.1
The Historia Brittonum is known to contain:
* A preface describing Nennius as a disciple of Bishop Elvodugus.1
* An account of the six ages of the world.1
* Information on St. Patrick.1
* A list of 12 victories attributed to Arthur.1
* Some Anglian genealogies.1
* Descriptions of 28 cities and various "marvels" in Britain.1
There is ongoing scholarly debate about whether Nennius was the sole author or an editor of an earlier version of the text.1
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King ArthurThe 9th-century Historia Brittonum, traditionally attributed to Nennius, records 12 battles fought by Arthur against the Saxons, culminating in a victory at Mons Badonicus. The Arthurian section of this work, however, is from an undetermined source, possibly a poetic text. The Annales Cambriae also mention Arthur’s victory…
Read MoreThe 9th-century Historia Brittonum, traditionally attributed to Nennius, records 12 battles fought by Arthur against the Saxons, culminating in a victory at Mons Badonicus. The Arthurian section of this work, however, is from an undetermined source, possibly a poetic text. The Annales Cambriae also mention Arthur’s victory…
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WalesThe founding of the kingdomsThe Historia Brittonum, an antiquarian compilation dating from the early 9th century, explains the origin of the kingdom of Gwynedd by relating a tradition that Cunedda Wledig migrated from northern Britain to northwestern Wales to expel the Irish who had occupied the area. This may be…
Read MoreThe Historia Brittonum, an antiquarian compilation dating from the early 9th century, explains the origin of the kingdom of Gwynedd by relating a tradition that Cunedda Wledig migrated from northern Britain to northwestern Wales to expel the Irish who had occupied the area. This may be…
Read More