Archaeologists at Tintagel uncover walls and artifacts from a Dark Ages complex likely used by local kings
If the researchers dig up a staff that says “Merlin,” however, we may start to believe.
The first extensive written account of King Arthur came around 1138, when historian Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote History of the Kings of Britain.
Even at the time, Monmouth’s story was not accepted by many other
scholars of his day. But over the centuries, the tale of Arthur, Merlin,
Lancelot and Guinevere has gained its place in popular imagination,
even if evidence for their existence remains elusive.
But a new structure uncovered on the Tintagel peninsula in
Cornwall adds a tiny sliver of credence to the Arthur legend. According
to David Keys at the Independent, archaeologists
are working to uncover a large palace with three-foot wide stone walls
and flagstone floors in the area that Monmouth claimed was Arthur’s
birthplace (or at least where he was conceived). The palace was likely
built in the 6th century and is the most substantial structure from the
dark ages uncovered in Britain to date.
More @ Smithsonian
Fascinating work. Better than working in a building or
ReplyDeletePublic Works.
Fascinating, indeed.
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