While some modern Americans may think of Great Britain as the cradle of refined, European civilization, medieval Britain was a violent and war-torn place marked by endless invasions, broken alliances, and defeated hopes. Although the Romans intended to stabilize the borders of Briton (and subdue its population of Celts), by 407, the Empire had completely withdrawn all of its forces in order to defend its own interests in Italy. This left Britain a self-governed, yet chaotic, island, and without the Roman legions to defend them, the Britons found themselves under constant attack from different bands of pagan invaders. Picts attacked from the north (present-day Scotland) and Scotts attacked from the west (present-day Northern Ireland). 446 marked the Anglo-Saxon invasion, when hordes of Germanic warriors swept into the island. According to David Day, author of The Search for King Arthur, "If ever a people needed a champion, it was the Britons of the late fifth century." The Britons needed a leader who could unite their forces against the constant threats of invasion.
Such a leader was found in a Romanized Briton named Artorius — "Arthur" in its British form — who led the Britons to victory against the Saxon, Pict, Scot, and Irish hordes. Also known as the Dux Bellorum or "Duke of Battles," Artoris made such an impression on the Britons — and on their enemies — that he became a symbol of strength, defiance, and bravery. Over time, Artoris the Dux Bellorum, was transformed into the legendary King Arthur found in poetry, prose, theater, and film. Although he did not pull a sword from a stone or create a real Round Table, Artoris, through his military prowess, created something much more lasting: a legendary figure that has come to embody all of England's virtues, much in the same way that Superman has done for the United States.
