Alfred the Great and the Tradition of Ancient Geography

Abstract

AMONG various works translated from Latin by Alfred, or on his behalf, there was a history written in the early fifth century by a Spanish priest, Orosius: Historiae adversum paganos. Orosius preceded his history by a geographical description of the world. This part, as extant in Alfred's Anglo-Saxon version, is not simply a translation of Orosius' text, but an almost entirely new work, with many and important additions. Alfred's aim was to bring up to date the Orosianic description, which for the ninth century, especially in regard to north and middle Europe, was completely anachronistic. His Geography constitutes thus a monument of Anglo-Saxon scholarship and a real treasure of historical information. Owing to the efforts of generations of scholars the general picture of Alfred's Europe seems now to be clear.' There is, however, a problem that has never been studied in detail: the problem of classical tradition in his work. Had Alfred at his disposition, apart from Orosius, other ancient geographical works, and, if so, is it possible to discover which ones? The present paper is intended as a contribution to this particular issue.