NIGHTBRINGER | The Arthurian Encyclopedia

Angers

Angeres

Angers is a city in western France. Before the French Revolution, it was the capital of the province of Anjou and was for centuries an important stronghold.

A region of France, conquered by Arthur and bestowed upon Kay.


Angers | 1st century BC – 9th century AD

Roman Period | 1st century BC – 4th century AD
The territory around Angers was inhabited by the Celtic tribe known as the Andecavi. The Romans established a settlement, which eventually became known as Andegavum, as part of their conquest of Gaul. It was an important town in the Roman province of Gallia Lugdunensis.

In the third century, the Roman Empire faced internal and external challenges, including invasions by Germanic tribes. The region around Angers experienced the impact of these events, and the decline of Roman influence began.

Migration Period | 5th century
With the decline of Roman authority, the area saw the incursion of various Germanic and Frankish tribes. The Visigoths, Vandals, and eventually the Franks had an influence on the region.

Christianity
Historical records suggest that Angers received its first bishop in the year 372. Saint Martin of Tours, one of the most revered saints in the Christian tradition, is associated with the early Christianization of the region, and he played a key role in the establishment of the bishopric of Angers. Saint Martin, who was a doldier in the Roman army before converting to Christianity, became Bishop of Tours in 371. The first abbey, Saint-Aubin, was built during the seventh century to house the sarcophagus of Saint Albinius.

Frankish Rule | Late 5th century – 9th century
The Frankish king Clovis I, who became the first Christian king of the Franks, extended Frankish rule over the region. The area became part of the Merovingian and later Carolingian kingdoms. Angers, as Andegavum, played a role in the administrative and political structure of these early medieval kingdoms.

In the eighth century, during the reign of Charlemagne, the Carolingian Empire reached its zenith. The city of Angers continued to be a significant center within this political and cultural framework.

Viking Raids | 9th century
Like many other coastal and riverine areas in Europe, the region around Angers experienced Viking raids during the ninth century. These raids disrupted local societies and contributed to the broader historical changes occuring during the Viking Age.


Source
Roman de Brut | Wace, c. 1155