The Gallic Chronicle of 452 and Its Authority for British Events
Steven Muhlberger
The chronology of the Saxon conquest Britain is notoriously obscure. Among its most controversial aspects date adventus Saxonum , appearance Saxons as an independent force in Britain. Only two sets literary sources throw light on question. A single contemporary, anonymous Gallic Chronicler 452, briefly noted under year XVIII Theodosius II (equated by Mommsen to A.D. 441–2) that ‘The British provinces, which up this time had suffered various disasters and misfortunes, were reduced rule’. Bede, writing eighth century, basing his calculations Gildas’ sketchy sixth-century account, supplied somewhat later dates for coming English Britain: first, 446–7, second ‘in reign Marcian Valentinian’, is, between 449 455. Bede's generally accepted first part testimony records end, not beginning, a conquest, was dismissed unreliable. In last few years, there has been tendency among scholars consider mistaken, base entry Chronicle 452. Bede lacked defenders, however. Recently, Dr Molly Miller suggested only 441-2 figment Mommsen's edition Chronicle, but also itself could be considered fifth-century source because it edited interpolated at date. Miller's article raises serious questions about value Can used contemporary account events? Or must treated compilation contaminated Carolingian editors?
Britannia