09-22-2010, 11:29 AM
Hello Matt,
You're correct, and I overstated my case. The soil of Britain isn't the best for archaeological retention, and chances are the expert diggers (not the Rodney Castleton types) are in a state of argument or disbelief. Not surprising, considering the Twelve Battles don't arrive in literature until found in a historically unsound tract. (Nennius. We also have the "dog of What's-his-face," "the son of What's-his-face," etc.)
I just don't think sub-Roman Britain was quite as bloody as Welsh tradition claims it was. We really don't know what happened. When we find Saxon leaders even in quasi-history, and named Cerdic and Cynric, what are we to think? They look like politically displaced Britons out to reclaim lost privaleges, not like braid-bearded baby killers in smelly furs. 8)
You're correct, and I overstated my case. The soil of Britain isn't the best for archaeological retention, and chances are the expert diggers (not the Rodney Castleton types) are in a state of argument or disbelief. Not surprising, considering the Twelve Battles don't arrive in literature until found in a historically unsound tract. (Nennius. We also have the "dog of What's-his-face," "the son of What's-his-face," etc.)
I just don't think sub-Roman Britain was quite as bloody as Welsh tradition claims it was. We really don't know what happened. When we find Saxon leaders even in quasi-history, and named Cerdic and Cynric, what are we to think? They look like politically displaced Britons out to reclaim lost privaleges, not like braid-bearded baby killers in smelly furs. 8)
Alan J. Campbell
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb