Laundes
Landes is a region in southwestern France.
This region, called Laundes in Malory, is said to belong to Lancelot who made Sir Bellangere (Bellengerus le Beuse) the Earl of the Laundes in return for Bellangere’s support in the battles against King Arthur. Bellangere was the son of Alisander the Orphan and the killer of King Mark of Cornwall.
Landes | 0 to the 9th century AD
Roman Influence | 1st century BC – 5th century AD
During the Roman era, the territory that is now Landes was part of the Roman province of Aquitania. Roman influence brought infrastructure, roads, and agricultural practices to the region.
Early Medieval Period | 5th – 8th centuries
With the decline of the Roman Empire, the region saw the migration of various Germanic tribes, including the Visigoths. The Visigoths established a presence in Aquitaine, and the region became part of the Visigothic Kingdom.
Moorish Influence | 8th century
In the early eighth century, the Umayyad Moors from the Iberian Peninsula expanded their influence northward, reaching parts of Aquitaine, including Landes. The Battle of Tours in 732, led by Charles Martel, marked a significant turning point as the Frankish forces halted the Moorish advance.
Carolingian Period | 8th – 9th centuries
The Carolingian Franks, under Charlemagne and his successors, sought to consolidate control over the territory. Charlemagne’s forces campaigned in the region, incorporating it into the Carolingian Empire. Landes became part of the broader political and administrative structure of the Carolingian realm.
Source
Le Morte Darthur | Sir Thomas Malory, 1469-1470