Geoffrey of Monmouth

Geoffrey of Monmouth (c. 1095 – c. 1155) was a cleric from Monmouth, Wales, and one of the major figures in the development of British historiography and the popularity of tales of King Arthur. He is best known for his chronicle Historia regum Britanniae (History of the Kings of Britain), which was widely popular in its day, being translated into other languages from its original Latin. It was given historical credence well into the 16th century, but is now considered historically unreliable.

Geoffrey was born in Monmouth, Wales, to a family of Norman descent. He was educated at the University of Oxford, where he studied law and theology. After graduating, Geoffrey traveled extensively throughout Europe, visiting France, Italy, and Spain. He also spent some time in Rome, where he may have met Pope Innocent II.

In 1129, Geoffrey returned to Wales and was appointed archdeacon of Llandaff. He held this position until 1152, when he was elected bishop of St. Asaph. However, Geoffrey never took up his position as bishop, and he died in 1155 at an unknown location.

Geoffrey is best known for his chronicle Historia regum Britanniae, which he completed in 1139. The Historia is a fictional history of Britain that begins with the arrival of Brutus of Troy in Britain and ends with the reign of King Cadwaladr. The Historia is full of legendary and mythical figures, including King Arthur, Merlin, and the Round Table.

The Historia was widely popular in its day, and it was translated into many languages. It was also used as a source for other works of literature, including the Morte d'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory. However, the Historia is now considered to be historically unreliable. Geoffrey made up many of the stories in the Historia, and he often distorted historical facts in order to fit his own narrative.

Geoffrey's philosophy is not well-known. However, he seems to have been a devout Christian, and he often used his work to promote Christian values. He also seems to have been interested in history and mythology, and he used his work to create a national mythology for Britain.

Geoffrey of Monmouth is remembered as a major figure in the development of British historiography and the popularity of tales of King Arthur. His work had a profound influence on later writers, and it continues to be read and enjoyed today.