Was King Arthur real?
Historians do not know whether King Arthur was a real person. Most believe he is a legendary figure, possibly inspired by one or more British leaders who fought against Anglo-Saxon invaders in the late fifth or early sixth century.
The earliest references to Arthur appear in Welsh poems and in the Historia Brittonum, written in the ninth century. These sources mention Arthur as a warrior who fought battles against the Saxons.
The story grew in the 1100s, when Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote about Arthur in his History of the Kings of Britain, introducing figures such as Merlin and Guinevere.
The legend grows
French writers added the knights of the Round Table, Lancelot and the quest for the Holy Grail. In the 1400s, Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur brought the stories together in English.
Many places claim connections to Arthur, such as Tintagel in Cornwall, said to be his birthplace, Glastonbury, linked to Avalon, and Cadbury Castle in Somerset, said to be Camelot.
There is no firm historical or archaeological evidence for Arthur's existence. However, the legends remain hugely popular in books, films and television.
Arthur is often seen as a symbol of British identity, chivalry and leadership.