Today marks the 1.200th anniversary of the battle of Roncevaux, which is at the heart of the French medieval epic, the Chanson de Roland. A number of mysteries surround that event in 778. One of the most fascinating questions is whether Roland was, in fact, present - or even existed.
Wolfgang van Emden, Professor of French at Reading University and Chairman of the British Branch of the Société Rencevals, throws fresh light on this puzzle.
Readings from the Song of Roland by GARY BOND
The oliphant blown by MICHAEL LAIRD. Producer JUDITH bumpus