Historia Regum Britanniae (The History of the Kings of Britain)

The History of the Kings of Britain

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The Historia Regum Britanniae

The Historia Regum Britanniae (The History of the Kings of Britain) is a 12th century chronicle written in Latin that recounts the history of Britain from its mythical founding by Brutus of Troy up to the Anglo-Saxon period in the 7th century.

Penned by Geoffrey of Monmouth sometime around 1136 CE, this work mixes legend, myth and fact in its grand narrative of Britain’s storied past.

Significance of Historia Regum Britanniae

Though later criticised for its lack of historical accuracy, the Historia Regum Britanniae was hugely significant in medieval England and Europe for providing a newly written origin story for Britain. The myths it established, especially concerning King Arthur, also proved widely influential.

Overview of Contents

The contents of the Historia Regum Britanniae stretch over a thousand years, chronicling both imaginary and real rulers and events. It includes tales of figures like Brutus, Leir and King Arthur alongside details on the coming of the Saxons. Though a mixture of myth and fact, it provides a window into medieval ideas about Britain’s past.

About the Author – Geoffrey of Monmouth

The author of the Historia Regum Britanniae was Geoffrey of Monmouth, a medieval Welsh cleric and writer who lived circa 1100 to 1155 CE. Geoffrey served as a bishop of St Asaph in Wales after being educated at Oxford. It was at Oxford that he gained access to various historical manuscripts that aided him in compiling the Historia.

Motivations for Writing

Geoffrey undertook writing the Historia as a chronicle of British history in order to provide the people of Britain with a glorious national origin story. Britain lacked its own comprehensive written history compared to other European nations at the time. The work helped inspire national pride by detailing the deeds of early legendary kings.

Sources and Influences

In constructing his history, Geoffrey relied on earlier texts like the Prophetiae Merlini as well as legends and oral tales. Though he claimed the work was a translation of a “very old book” in the British tongue, this was likely fabricated to lend credibility. Despite invented elements, the Historia drew on some authentic ancient works.

Publication and Contemporary Response

The Historia Regum Britanniae was first circulated around 1136 CE and soon gained immense popularity in England and France. The myths it relayed, though not historically accurate, captured imaginations. Yet it also received some criticism for Geoffrey’s liberal mixing of fact with legend.

Overview of Contents and Scope Historia Regum Britanniae

Foundation Myths and Early Kings

The Historia begins with the foundation of Britain by Brutus of Troy, great-grandson of Aeneas, after the Trojan War. It includes tales of early kings like Dunvallo Molmutius, famous for establishing laws, and Locrinus, who divided Britain between his three sons. Other mythical monarchs chronicled include Leir and Bladud.

King Arthur and Merlin

A significant portion of the Historia focuses on King Arthur, from his conception at Tintagel to his final battle at Camlann. Geoffrey provides one of the earliest written accounts of Arthur’s conquests across Europe and his founding of Camelot. The wizard Merlin also features prominently, with accounts of his prophecies and magical feats.

Arrival of the Saxons

Later sections document the invasion of the Saxons including figures like Hengist and Horsa. Key battles covered include Aurelius Ambrosius’ victory at Wallop and Arthur’s triumph at Bath. The Saxons are painted as usurpers whose conquest heralds the end of Britain’s golden age.

Span of History Covered

In total, the Historia Regum Britanniae chronicles over 1,300 years of British history from the landing of Brutus circa 1115 BC to the late 6th century AD Saxon conquest, though the earlier sections are purely mythological. The mix of legend and fact provides insight into medieval views of Britain’s past.

Legacy and Significance

Popularity and Influence on Literature

The Historia Regum Britanniae proved immensely popular when circulated in England and France. It helped inspire prolific writing about King Arthur, with later authors elaborating on Geoffrey’s accounts in works like the Lancelot-Grail Cycle. Geoffrey’s imaginative history gained wider credibility despite its inaccuracies.

Contributions to National Identity

By providing a coherent, linear history for Britain, the Historia helped foster a new sense of national identity and pride. It filled a lack of written history compared to other European peoples. The mythical kings and events Geoffrey chronicled were assumed as part of the past.

Criticism and Issues of Historical Accuracy

In later centuries, the Historia faced growing criticism regarding its veracity as scholars like Polydore Vergil challenged Geoffrey’s claims. However, it remained valued as a literary work that captured 12th century conceptions of history. Geoffrey intermixed myth, oral tales, and fragments of authentic ancient texts.

Lasting Literary Significance of Historia Regum Britanniae

Though the details it relates are fanciful, the Historia Regum Britanniae helped popularise figures of British legend like Arthur, Merlin, and Lear. By transmitting these stories in written form, Geoffrey preserved seminal myths that are still retold today. The work stands as a foundational piece of British literature.