Mesopotamian writing is among the oldest (if not the oldest) of all time. Its star hero, Gilgamesh, hailed as one of humanity’s greatest heroes in one of humanities first narratives. This is the Mesopotamian mythology and literature timeline.
Mythologies
Vita Sancti Cadoci (Life of Saint Cadoc)
Vita’s Composition Date, Author, and Purpose The story of Saint Cadoc is told in Vita Sancti Cadoci, written by Lifris of Llancarfan probably not much before AD 1086. The text is Latin, and it was “written at Llancarfan” to honour the house and confirm “its endowments”, says John Strong Perry Tatlock in July 1939. Consequently, … Read more
Legenda Sancti Goeznovii (Legend of Saint Goeznovius)
Gwyddno’s Journey, and Legenda’s Prologue Legenda Sancti Goeznovii (Legend of Saint Goeznovius) is the hagiography (writing of a saint’s life) of Goeznovius, who died c AD 675 according to one account but more probably flourished in the Sixth Century, according to Geoffrey Ashe. Goeznovius was a Bishop of Léon in Brittany, who is venerated as … Read more
Historia Regum Britanniae
Welcome to our article on De Gestis Britonum, or Historia Regum Britanniae, otherwise known as the Deeds of Britons, or History of Kings of Britain Introduction to and Value of the Text Originally called De Gestis Britonum (On Deeds of Britons), Historia Regum Britanniae (History of Kings of Britain) is a quasi-pseudo-historical chronicle of British history. … Read more
Where Was Camelot?
There are many legendary locations around the world that people have sought after for hundreds, or even thousands, of years. One of the most famous of these locations is Camelot, Arthur’s grand city, often presented as the capital of his kingdom. There are numerous theories as to where this grand city really was, if it … Read more
Was King Arthur Roman?
In some portrayals of the Arthurian legends, such as the 2004 film King Arthur, the eponymous war leader is depicted as a Roman officer. Generally, this is held to be more accurate than simply making him a native chieftain or king. However, is this actually a plausible concept, or is it just adding another inaccuracy to the tales? Reasons He … Read more
Englyn(n)ion Y Beddau
Englyn(n)ion Y Beddau/Bedeu/Beteu/Betev (Stanzas/Verses of The Graves), also known as Beddau Milwyr Ynys Prydain (Graves of Warriors of Isle of Britain) comes primarily from Llyfr Du Cærfyrddin (Black Book of Cærmarthen), Llyfr Coch Hergest (Red Book of Hergest), and Llyfr Gwyn Rhydderch (White Book of Rhydderch). Introduction Englyn(n)ion Y Beddau/Bedeu/Beteu/Betev (Stanzas/Verses of The Graves) is … Read more
Pa Gur/Gwr yv Y Porthaur?
Pa Gur/Gwr yv Y Porthaur?, or Arthur a Y Porthaur, or Ymddiddan Arthur a Glewlwyd Gafaelfawr Translation: (What Man is The Gatekeeper?, or Arthur and The Porter, or Dialogue of Arthur and Glewlwyd Gafaelfawr), from Llyfr Du Caerfyrddin (Black Book of Cærmarthen). Introduction According to Caitlin R Green, Jon B Coe, Simon Young, Karen Jankulak, … Read more
Culhwch and Olwen
Introduction to the Text Culhwch ac Olwen is a Welsh story about a hero associated with Arthur and his warriors. The story survives in only two manuscripts: a complete version in Llyfr Coch Hergest (Red Book of Hergest) c AD 1400, and a fragmented version in Llyfr Gwyn Rhydderch (White Book of Rhydderch) c AD … Read more
The Rise of the Roman Empire in Britain
The Roman Empire in Britain was one of the most significant periods of the island’s history. It changed the face of the country for hundreds of years. But how did this dramatic change begin? Troublesome Beginnings The start of Roman rulership in Britain really begins with Julius Caesar’s incursions into the island in the first … Read more