Artorius Rex (King Arthur)
This kit has been a project for a long time. King Arthur sits in popular imagination across so many cultures and across the centuries. However, the initial stories that were jumbled together to create the initial foundation of a pseudo history that became Arthurian legend, and then became Arthurian literature has its roots in the history and poetry of Sub Roman Britain. If Arthur was actually real (and he wasn't) he would likely have been a late 5th century Romano-British aristocrat and military elite. The first non-poetic reference to Arthur that gives us anything concrete isn't however until the 9th century in the Historia Brittonum. This text however, associates Arthur with the battle of Badon, which is a battle that probably actually happened, as it's mentioned in numerous other sources, including ones close to the supposed date, like Gildas in the early 6th century. these other sources however, make no mention of an Arthur, instead it's lead by an Ambrosius Aurelius, who was a Romano-british aristocrat according to Gildas. other figures that likely got mixed into the founding pseudo history includes Urien ap Cynfarch Oer, a 6th century King in Wales, Artuir mac Áedán, a 6th century prince of Dál Riata, Magnus Maximus, a 4th century Roman General in Britain who usurped the throne of the Western Roman empire, and Lucius Artorius Castus, a 2nd century Roman General who led an invasion into Gaul from Britain.
the kit I'm wearing is largely based on looking at the Vergillius Romanus, a 5th century copy of the Æneid that is likely to have been written in Britain, and is heavily illustrated with contemporary fashions. Each piece based on actual 4th and 5th century finds from the Roman Empire, with a preference for British artifacts. this methodology allows me to copy as closely as to what would be recognizable to 5th century British people, without duplicating a specific grave that rarely has all elements surviving. The exception to this is the shield, which has a construction based on a 3rd century example, the Homeric Dura-Europas shield, however frescos, mosaics and other illustrations imply this shield design was still in use well into the 6th century and beyond by the Roman empire and it's fragmented states. the other exception is the greaves, which are based on a 3rd century find as there are no 4th or 5th century examples to draw from, but from iconography, and texts like the 6th century Stategikon illustrates that greaves were still in use, and thus the 3rd century Kunzig greaves are the best speculation for this until new data is found.
My fascination with King Arthur has always been rooted in the desire to understand the historical truth behind the legend. For years, I've poured over ancient texts and archaeological finds, striving to separate the myth from the potential reality of a figure like Artorius Rex. It’s a journey that led me to construct a historically accurate kit, aiming to represent what a powerful Romano-British leader of the late 5th century might have worn. When we think of King Arthur, we often picture shining knights in medieval armor. However, the first whispers of a figure like Arthur emerge from Sub-Roman Britain, a chaotic period after the Roman withdrawal. This era saw Roman traditions clashing and blending with indigenous British culture, a world far removed from castles and chainmail. The names often linked to the nascent Arthurian tales, such as Ambrosius Aurelius, a formidable Romano-British aristocrat, or even the 2nd-century Roman General Lucius Artorius Castus, paint a picture of military leaders defending their lands against invaders. These historical figures, though not 'King Arthur' in the legendary sense, likely contributed to the amalgam of stories that later formed the Arthurian cycle. It's this complex tapestry of history that truly ignites my passion. My goal with this project was to move beyond the popular imagination and create a tangible representation of this historical possibility. The core of my research started with visual sources like the Virgilius Romanus, a 5th-century manuscript that offers invaluable insights into contemporary fashion and military attire. I focused on actual 4th and 5th-century finds from the Roman Empire, prioritizing British artifacts whenever possible. This meticulous approach allowed me to build a composite, yet authentic, representation rather than trying to replicate a single, often incomplete, grave find. For instance, the formidable scale armor cuirass I wear is based on fragments and depictions from the period, showcasing the sophisticated Roman military technology still in use. The helmet with a crest reflects designs often seen on Roman officers, a symbol of authority and rank. Beneath the armor, a simple yet elegant white tunic with embroidered cuffs provides both practicality and a touch of aristocratic flair, consistent with Roman provincial styles. A light-colored cloak offers protection from the elements and completes the ensemble, typical for military figures of the time. The oval shield with red patterns and a central figure was a particular challenge. While my construction draws from a 3rd-century Dura-Europas example, I verified through frescos and mosaics that this design remained prevalent well into the 6th century. And, of course, no warrior is complete without their weapon: a trusty sword, carefully chosen to reflect types used in late antiquity. Even the greaves, based on 3rd-century finds due to a lack of later examples, are included because iconographic evidence confirms their continued use, a testament to the enduring practicality of Roman military equipment. This entire late Roman/Sub-Roman British military kit is my personal endeavor to honor the historical kernel from which the legend of King Arthur sprung, offering a glimpse into a truly fascinating period of British history.
