"History of the Britons" (Latin: Historia Brittonum) is a historic manuscript of the indigenous British people that was originally written in Latin around 828 A.D. It is commonly attributed to the Welsh monk Nennius, as some early manuscripts have a preface written in his name. It describes the supposed settlement of Britain by Trojan expatriates and states that Britain took its name from Brutus, a descendant of Aeneas, a Trojan hero in Greco-Roman mythology.

I, Nennius, disciple of St. Elbotus, have endeavoured to write some extracts which the dulness of the British nation had cast away, because teachers had no knowledge, nor gave any information in their books about this island of Britain. But I have got together all that I could find as well from the annals of the Romans as from the chronicles of the sacred fathers, Hieronymus, Eusebius, Isidorus, Prosper, and from the annals of the Scots and Saxons, and from our ancient traditions. Many tea...

Nennius' Geschichte der Brittonen gehört zu den wichtigsten Quellen der Kolonisierung Britanniens durch die Angeln und Sachsen. In frühmittelalterlicher Weise verbindet sie Genealogien, gelehrte Berechnungen und das Bemühen um genaue Wiedergabe der überlieferten Ereignisse mit Sagen (zum ersten Mal in der lateinischen Literatur überhaupt taucht hier der Sagenheld Arthur auf!), Heiligenlegenden (etwa St. Patrick) und Wundererzählungen. Gerade diese legendenhaften Elemente vermitteln ein pla...

This edition features a linked Table of ContentsCONTENTSI. THE PROLOGUE.II. THE APOLOGY OF NENNIUSIII. THE HISTORY.THE GENEALOGY OF THE KINGS OF BERNICIA.THE GENEALOGY OF THE KINGS OF KENT.THE ORIGIN OF THE KINGS OF EAST-ANGLIA.THE GENEALOGY OF THE MERCIANS.THE KINGS OF THE DEIRI.About the Author"Nennius was a Welsh monk of the 9th century. He has traditionally been attributed with the authorship of the Historia...

According to Wikipedia: "Nennius was a Welsh monk of the 9th century. He has traditionally been attributed with the authorship of the Historia Brittonum, based on the prologue affixed to that work, This attribution is widely considered a secondary (10th century) tradition. Nennius was a student of Elvodugus, commonly identified with the bishop Elfodd who convinced British ecclesiastics to accept the Continental dating for Easter, and who died in 809 according to the Annales Cambriae. Nenni...

Delve into the rich tapestry of Britain's early history with The History of the Britons, a seminal work traditionally attributed to Nennius. Written shortly after AD 833, this critical text offers a comprehensive account of the Brythonic people, charting their journey from ancient times through a series of engaging recensions.Despite questions surrounding its authorship, the work remains a cornerstone for understanding the historical narratives of Wales and England. The book explor...

In "History of the Britons," Nennius weaves a rich tapestry of myth, history, and national identity, presenting a narrative of the British Isles from their legendary origins to the post-Roman period. The text is characterized by its integration of folklore and historical analysis, encapsulating the struggles and triumphs of British heroes such as Arthur. Written in the 9th century, this seminal work stands at the intersection of history and hagiography, reflecting the complexities of its t...

The original works of foreign classics, including the most representative literary masters and the most influential representative works.

The original works of foreign classics, including the most representative literary masters and the most influential representative works.

A Welsh monk of the ninth century, Nennius is traditionally ascribed as the author of the ‘Historia Brittonum’, a complex history of the ancient Britons, blending history with myth. It establishes the genealogies of various Welsh and British rulers, tracing their lineage back to ancient times and legendary figures such as King Arthur. The ‘Historia Brittonum’ would influence the work of Geoffrey of Monmouth and many other medieval chroniclers. Although the text’s accuracy is open t...

The "History of the Britons" (Historia Brittonum) by Nennius is a seminal work of early medieval literature that chronicles the origins and early history of the British Isles. Composed in the 9th century, this text is notable for its blend of historical narrative and myth, showcasing Nennius's engaging prose style that combines scholarly rigor with a compelling storytelling approach. Drawing on earlier sources, legend, and oral tradition, the work addresses pivotal events and figures, incl...

1. Nennius, the lowly minister and servant of the servants of God, by the grace of God, disciple of St. Elbotus, * to all the followers of truth sendeth health.