Mythic Tomb Linked To King Arthur Under Excavation For First Time

Archeologists in England are working on excavating a tomb linked to the legendary King Arthur, hoping to uncover more about a mysterious grave.

Researchers from the group English Heritage and the University of Manchester began digging this month around a 5,000-year-old chambered stone known as Arthur’s Stone. According to local legends, King Arthur, the fabled ruler of Britain, killed a giant at the tomb’s location in Herefordshire, England. 

“Arthur’s Stone is one of the country’s most significant Stone Age monuments, and this excavation gives a really rare and exciting chance for members of the public to come and see archaeology in action,” Ginny Slade of English Heritage said, according to HeritageDaily.

The tomb consists of nine standing stones surrounding a grave with a 25-ton capstone on top. Experts believe that there was some kind of false access point to the tomb to protect it from possible intruders. 

According to ancient myths, the imprint of the giant was left on one of the stones. An alternative explanation is that Arthur, known for his devotion to Christianity, knelt in prayer on one of the stones, leaving an imprint. Another story says that one of the stones at the Arthur Stone emerged from a pebble that Arthur threw from his shoe as he marched by during one of his expeditions.

Others say that the tomb inspired C.S. Lewis, whose Aslan character was killed on a stone table in the classic book “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” 

King Arthur was known for fending off the invading Saxons and uniting chivalric knights around the mythic round table at Camelot. His story has been told in countless books, films, and TV shows. Arthur became king after he was the only one who was able to draw a sword that had been lodged in a stone.

Julian Thomas, head of the project, said that the contents were likely removed at some point, though it is unclear when. 

“The act of constructing such a massive edifice would undoubtedly have been important, as it would have drawn people together to labour, enhancing social solidarity, and perhaps generating prestige for the person or persons directing the work,” Thomas told CNN. 

Visitors will be able to view the archaeological work and get a closer look at the national monument connected to one of England’s most beloved stories.

 “Our team of wonderful volunteers will be on hand to explain the latest findings as they happen – we’re asking people to book in advance to make sure everyone has a chance to enjoy this great opportunity,” Slade said, per the University of Manchester.

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