• austriantimes.at
• romaniantimes.at
• salzburgtimes.at
• viennatimes.at

© wikimedia

12. 11. 12. - 12:00

• more General News news...
• RSS Feed General News

12. 11. 12. - 12:00

King Arthur's Villa found in Croatia, claim historians

Croatian Times

Croatian historians believe they have found a Roman villa that belonged to King Arthur, leader of the Knights of the Round Table and Camelot and bearer of the sword Excalibur.

Archaeologists found the villa site close to the southern coastal village of Krilo Jesenice.

It is also close to Podstrana where British historian John Matthews claimed there is a gravestone which he says marks the final resting place of Arthur, also known at the time as Lucius Artorius Castus.

The possibility that Lucius Artorius Castus was Arthur was first suggested by historian Kemp Malone in 1924 and was then repeated by historian Linda Malcor, who was a consultant for the 2004 movie King Arthur that also portrayed Arthur as a Roman.

Although Artorius did not live during the Saxon invasions of Britain in the 5th century, it is seen as possible because of the similarities in their lives that he was remembered in local tales and legends that grew in the retelling.

Niksa Tomic of the Artorius association that is carrying out the dig said: "We have confirmed the villa dates from the 1st century and it matches what we know of Lucius Artorius Castus."

Matthews - also a consultant on Clive Owen and Keira Knightley's hit movie King Arthur - also believes the legendary king was really the Roman general Lucius Artorius Castus, who later ruled over part of modern Croatia.

"My only worry is that if we prove this to be true, people in England will accuse me of stealing their legend from them," Matthews once said.

The place where the remains of the 1st century villa were found is located 150 metres above the see level with extensive views that would have made it hard for a surprise attack.

It is believed the position was chosen by the Roman commander to control the sea lanes and the nearby islands. There have also been pieces of ancient Roman ceramics found at the site.

Tomic said: "There are a lot of indicators that we have found the villa was build of King Arthur, including the size that meant it could only have belonged to someone of his importance, and the age."

The mayor of the nearby town of Dugi Rat is visit the site on Wednesday to help experts protect it as a cultural monument as soon as possible.

Local legend has it that Arthur's mother was born in the Croatian town of Igrane, now a popular tourist beach destination, and tourism bosses are keen to cash in on the link.

A Night of King Arthur has been held to celebrate the event in Igrane and more than 3,000 revellers were said to have turned up honour the king's mother.

It is said she used to bathe in the sea in the town and Igrane is already said to be benefiting from tourists who have heard the tale and want to visit the area.

Actress Natalie Dormer to spend her summer holidays on Dalmatian islands
The American actress Natalie Dormer has announced she will spend her summer holiday in Croatia.

Zagreb reaches temperature record
The Croatian capital Zagreb has broken the record for the highest ever outside temperature on 17 June.

Erste Bank robbed in Split
Police are searching for bank robbers that have taken a large amount of money from the Erste Bank at the City Center One shopping mall in the Adriatic port of Split.

Sculptures of insects exhibited in Kastav
An exhibition of insect sculptures will open as a new tourist attraction in the western Croatian town of Kastav.

Nenad Bjelica takes over Austria Vienna and gives hopes to other Croatian coaches
The 41-year-old former Croatian national football team player has taken up the bench of the Austrian champions Austria Vienna.

A sheikh planning to invest in Le Meridien Lav
A Arab sheikh who has not been named is thought to have placed a bid to buy the 5 star luxury Le Meridien Lav Hotel in Podstrana at outskirts of the Croatian coastal town of Split.

Radimir Cacic starting to serve his jail term
The former Croatian government vice president Radimir Cacic is due to start his jail sentence today (Monday).

Czech MP tries to help ex Croatian employee of Radio Free Europe
A Czech politician is helping a former Croatian employee of the Radio Free Europe in an anti-discrimination case.

Football coach Josip Kuze dies
The Croatian football coach Josip Kuze died on Sunday at the age of 61.

Scottish fans plead to get back their flag lost in Zagreb
Scottish football fans have asked Croats to hand them back their missing Tartan Army flag so they can support their team against England in London in August.