NIGHTBRINGER | The Arthurian Encyclopedia

Poitiers

Paito

Poitiers is a city located in west-central France. Historically, there was a Duchy of Aquitaine, which included the region where Poitiers is located.

In Arthour and Merlin, we learn that Uther Pendragon acquired it from HarinanIgerne’s (Igraine) first husband. The Alliterative Morte Arthure names it as part of Arthur’s empire.

Malory says that Lancelot owned it, and that he made Bleoberis the duke of Poitiers in return for Bleoberis’s support in the battles against King Arthur.

In Chrétien’s time, Poitiers was apparently known for its armorMeliagrant’s helmet had been made there.


Poitiers | 0 to 800 AD

Roman Period
Poitiers, known as Lemonum during Roman times, was an important administrative and cultural center within the Roman province of Aquitania. The city likely had Roman infrastructure, including roads, bridges and public buildings.

Germanic Invasions and Early Medieval Period
As the Western Roman Empire declined in the fifth century, the region experienced incursions by various Germanic tribes, including the Visigoths and the Franks. Clovis I, the King of the Franks, defeated the Visigoths in the Battle of Vouillé in 507 near Poitiers, marking the Frankish control of the region.

Merovingian and Carolingian Periods
During the Merovingian and Carolingian periods, Poitiers became an important center within the Frankish realm. The city gained prominence during the reign of Charlemagne (768-814), the first Holy Roman Emperor. Charlemagne held assemblies and councils in Poitiers and promoted learning and culture.

Ecclesiastical History
Poitiers became an important center for Christianity during this time. Saint Hilary of Poitiers, a prominent theologian and bishop, played a significant role in the early Christian church. The Councils of Poitiers in the sixth century were notable ecclesiastical gatherings that addresed theological issues of the time.

Viking Raids
In the ninth century, Viking raids and invasions affected many areas of Western Europe, including Poitiers. These raids led to increased fortifications and changes in local governance.


Sources
Arthour and Merlin | Late 13th century
Alliterative Morte Arthure | c. 1400
Le Morte Darthur | Sir Thomas Malory, 1469-1470