British Forts in the Age of Arthur (F.#80)

When the Romans left Britain around AD 410, the unconquered native peoples of modern Scotland, Ireland and Wales were presented with the opportunity to pillage what remained of Roman Britain. The Post-Roman Britons did their best to defend themselves by using fortifications. While some Roman forts were maintained, the Post-Roman Britons also created new strongholds, or re-occupied some of the hill-forts first built by their ancestors. The most famous warlord of the 'Dark Ages' was the legendary Arthur. His attempt to unite the Britons in the face of Saxon invaders was doomed, and in a little over two centuries the country had become Saxon England. However, for a few brief decades, 'Arthur of the Britons' did what he could to safeguard the culture and civilisation of Post-Roman Celtic Britain. "The book covers the fortifications of England and Wales during the early period of the English Dark Ages through the Anglo Saxon invasions. The author examines possible abandoned Roman fortifications the Celtic Britons may have used and the more traditional hill top forts with earthen defenses and wooden walls. A more detailed view of South Cadbury is presented since for many years it had been considered the site of legendary King Arthur's Camelot (or at least the real king the legend grew out of). The site of Dinas Emrys in Wales, associated with Merlin and the myth of the underground pool with two dragons is described with the legend. This work also relates the Arthurian legend to many of the sites presented. The author also explains the use of the long dykes thought to be fortifications. For those interested in the period and the legends, this work helps reveal the reality." -JE Kauffman, "SiteO Newsletter" (January 2009)
"King Arthur. Few things capture the essence of romance, chivalry, mystery, and our imaginations the way that Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table do. Most wargamers are aware that the origins of Arthur are shrouded in mystery. Perhaps less well known (or at least less well discussed) is the question as to whether Arthur even existed at all. Readers wishing for a quick introduction into both the debate and the archeological evidence that exists during the "Arthurian" period would do well to pick up a copy of Angus Konstam's "British Forts in the age of Arthur,"" -Mike Dorn, "The Wargamer "(January 2009)