Book Cover of On the Ruin of Britain

On the Ruin of Britain

by Gildas

It is considered one of the earliest surviving sources on British history and provides a valuable insight into the period known as the Dark Ages. Written in Latin, On the Ruin of Britain recounts the history of Britain from the Roman occupation to the author's own time. Gildas paints a bleak picture of the country, describing it as a place of corruption, warfare, and moral decay. He condemns the British rulers of the time for their sins and the way they have mistreated the people. The book is divided into three parts, each dealing with a different period in British history. The first part describes the Roman occupation and the decline of their power in Britain. The second part deals with the period of the Anglo-Saxon invasions and the conflicts that arose between the various tribes. The third part covers the period following the arrival of the Saxons and the Christianization of Britain. On the Ruin of Britain is an important historical source for scholars of the period. It sheds light on the turbulent times that led to the formation of modern Britain and provides insight into the political, social, and religious forces at work during the Dark Ages. The book has been translated into many languages and is still widely read today. It has been praised for its vivid and eloquent prose, as well as its historical significance.

Book Details

Language

English

Original Language

Latin

Published In

6th Century

Authors

Gildas  image

Gildas

British

Gildas was a 6th-century British monk and historian who is best known for his literary works, including "The Ruin of Britain" and "De Excidio et Conquestu Britanniae." His writings are some of the ear...

Books by Gildas

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