Documentary / History
The legend of King Arthur is one of the greatest in English folklore, and tales of brave, chivalrous knights rescuing damsels in distress never fail to thrill and delight audiences of all ages. Even now, King Arthur is more popular than ever, and this program will take you on a…

Narrator

Come with us on a magical journey of mystery and discovery as we attempt to uncover the truth behind the legend of history’s most well known sovereign—King Arthur. Explore verdant, dew-drenched plains, wander amongst ancient crumbling ruins, and scour the rugged weather-beaten coastline of Great Britain in search of the elusive spirit of King Arthur and the enchanting Camelot. on this well-worn trail, you will encounter the likes of beautiful Guinevere, valiant Lancelot, magical Merlin, and the glorious Knights of the Round Table—not to mention Excalibur and the Holy Grail! Discover the possible final resting places of King Arthur, explore the potential locations of Camelot, and join the debate over the existence of the Holy Grail. It is all here and more, so charge forward into the realm of magic, mystery, and chivalry to uncover the truth behind the legend.

The legend of King Arthur spans centuries and has inspired countless novels and films. But who was King Arthur, and what was his real legacy? Through reenactments and historical images, this A&E production explores the romance, adventure and politics of the noble ruler of Camelot. He inspired the Knights of the Round Table and fought to defend England, only to be betrayed by the one he loved most, his own Queen Guinevere.

The story of the Arthurian legend, based on the 'Sarmatian hypothesis' which contends that the legend has a historical nucleus in the Sarmatian heavy cavalry troops stationed in Britain, and that the Roman-British military commander, Lucius Artorius Castus is the historical person behind the legend.

Having failed in their quest for the Holy Grail, the knights of the Round Table return to Camelot, their number reduced to a mere handful. Seeing a rift developing between Lancelot and Mordred, Arthur urges his knights to bury their differences and become friends. However, the King is unaware that Lancelot is having an affair with his queen, Guinevere. Lancelot is torn between his duty to his king and his love for the queen, whilst Mordred is determined to use his infidelity to destroy him.
Mark Horton, a British archaeologist, is investigating King Arthur’s castle. But did it really exist? Camelot, the seat of the court of the legendary King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, where the Knights of the Round Table gathered in the 5th and 6th centuries, could it be a real place, inspired by a Roman-era ruin? Mark Horton travels across Britain to examine medieval texts and post-Roman archaeological sites.