From Scythia to Camelot boldly challenges current scholarly wisdom concerning the origins of the legends of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. The authors assert that the Arthurian and Holy Grail traditions did not derive from Celtic folklore and mythology, but rather from the folklore and mythology of the peoples of ancient Scythia (modern South Russia and Ukrainian Steppes). The authors argue that this folklore was carried to Britain and Gaul from the Steppes by Alan and Sarmatian tribes during the final days of the Roman Empire. They also demonstrate that several key figures in the legends, including the Fisher King and the Maimed Kings are based on historical individuals who lived during the early years of the fifth century. From Scythia to Camelot presents an erudite, stimulating and provocative analysis of the origins and developments of the Athurian legends.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1974.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1974.