Who was king after King Arthur? This question has intrigued historians and fans of Arthurian legend for centuries. The answer to this question is not straightforward, as there are various interpretations and theories surrounding the successor to the legendary king of Britain. In this article, we will explore the different candidates who claimed the throne after King Arthur’s reign.
The first theory suggests that King Arthur’s successor was King Lucius. According to this version, King Lucius was a nobleman who rose to power after King Arthur’s death. This story is mentioned in some of the earliest Welsh manuscripts, such as the “Historia Brittonum” by Nennius. However, this account is often dismissed as a later interpolation and not widely accepted by scholars.
Another candidate for the throne is King Constantine. This theory is based on the “Annales Cambriae,” a 9th-century annalistic chronicle. According to this source, King Constantine was the successor to King Arthur. However, this account is also considered to be a later interpolation and not supported by other primary sources.
One of the most popular theories about King Arthur’s successor is the mention of King Ambrosius Aurelianus. Ambrosius is often depicted as a warrior king who fought against the Saxons and continued the fight for British independence after King Arthur’s death. This portrayal is found in the “Historia Brittonum” and other medieval Welsh sources. However, the existence of King Ambrosius is still debated among historians, and it is uncertain whether he was a historical figure or a legendary one.
Some scholars argue that there was no single successor to King Arthur, but rather a period of political fragmentation and anarchy that followed his death. During this time, various local kings and warlords vied for power, leading to a decline in the unified British kingdom that King Arthur had established.
In conclusion, the question of who was king after King Arthur remains a topic of much debate and speculation. While King Lucius, King Constantine, and King Ambrosius Aurelianus are some of the candidates proposed by medieval sources, their historical validity is questionable. It is possible that there was no clear successor to King Arthur, and his legacy continued through the various leaders who fought to maintain the British kingdom’s independence in the wake of his death.
