The Western sources for the history of the Crusades begin with the original Latin chronicles. Later works on the First Crusade were mostly derived from these and are exemplified by William of Tyre's
Historia and its continuations. The later Crusades produced a vast library of first-hand accounts, biographies and chronicles. Other sources include official documents and communications, personal letters and accounts, and topics such as archaeology and numismatics.
Original Latin chronicles of the First Crusade The major chronicles of the
First Crusade by contemporaneous Western authors are listed below, referenced to RHC, Runciman and Murray. •
Gesta Francorum. Gesta Francorum (Deeds of the Franks) is an anonymous chronicle that proved to be one of the most popular accounts of the First Crusade. The chronicle, also referred to as
Anonymi Gesta Francorum, is reputed to be written by a follower of
Bohemond of Taranto and covers the period from November 1095 until the
battle of Ascalon in 1099. It was first published in late 1100 or early 1101. (
Ges. D., RHC Oc., Volume 3.II
, Runc. Vol I, pp. 329–330, 344) •
Peter Tudebode. Peter Tudebode was a Poitevin priest in the army of Raymond of Saint-Gilles.
His
Historia de Hierosolymitano itinere, with
Præfatio, was released shortly after the very similar
Gesta Francorum, edited by French historian Jean Besly (1572–1644). Tudebode's version includes additional material, including the death of Crusader Rainald Porcet who died at the
siege of Antioch in 1098
. (
RHC Oc., Volumes 3.I, 3.II,
MPL 155,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 330, 346) •
Historia belli sacri. Historia belli sacri (
Tudebodus imitatus et continuatus) was a history written by an unknown monk at the
Abbey of Monte Cassino around 1130. The
Historia covers the First Crusade and the early days of the
Principality of Antioch ending with the death of
Bohemond II of Antioch in 1130. The
Historia drew material from
Gesta Francorum and
Gesta Tancredi. (
RHC Oc., Volume 3.III,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 330n, 345) •
Raymond of Aguilers. Raymond of Aguilers (died after 1105) was a participant in the First Crusade and eventually became chaplain of
Raymond of Saint-Gilles. His chronicle,
Historia Francorum qui ceperunt Iherusalem (History of the Franks who captured Jerusalem), known as
Historia Francorum, concentrated on Raymond's exploits. The work covered the period from the journey to Constantinople in 1096 until the end of 1099, after the
capture of Jerusalem. He may have had access to portions of
Gesta Francorum but his work is regarded as independent.
Pons of Balazun, a member of Raymond's army, is credited as a co-author of
Historia Francorum. (
RHC Oc., Volume 3.IV,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 328–329, 346) •
Fulcher of Chartres.
Fulcher of Chartres (c. 1059 – after 1128) was a priest who participated in the First Crusade eventually joining
Baldwin I of Jerusalem. His chronicle
Gesta Francorum Iherusalem Perefrinantium (
Historia Hierosolymitana) consists of three volumes. The first covers the period from the
Council of Clermont in 1095 until the death of
Godfrey of Bouillon in 1100. The second covers the reign of Baldwin I from 1100–1118, and the third the partial reign of
Baldwin II of Jerusalem from 1118–1127 when the narrative was interrupted by the plague in Jerusalem. Because Fulcher was with Baldwin I in Edessa from 1098, some material in his chronicle was derived from
Gesta Francorum and
Historia Francorum. The three volumes were written from 1100–1106, 1109–1115 and 1118–1127, and compiled into a second edition by Fulcher before his death. (
RHC Oc., Volume 3.V, VI,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 329, 345) •
Albert of Aachen (Aix). Albert of Aachen (died after 1150) was a historian, presumably German, who wrote the fullest contemporaneous account of the First Crusade in his
Historia Hierosolymitanae expeditionis (History of the Expedition to Jerusalem). His chronicle covers the period from the Council of Clermont until 1121. It was written between 1125 and 1150, and has long been regarded as the most authoritative source of the period, but immune from criticism. (
RHC Oc., Volume 4.III,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 331, 344,
Runc. Vol II, p. 476) •
Ekkehard of Aura. Ekkehard of Aura (died 1126) was a Bavarian abbot of Aura and participant in the
Crusade of 1101. He wrote his
Hierosolymita in five recensions from 1098-1125, covering first the period from 1057 through the First Crusade. The final recension is known as
Chronicon universale (World Chronicle) and is an extension of the work of Frutolf of Michelsberg. The fourth recension of
Hierosolymita makes use of Sigebert's
Chronicon sive Chronographia providing a perspective on the
Rhineland massacres of Jews in 1096. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.I,
MGH Scriptores VI,
MPL 156,
Runc. Vol I, p. 330) •
Robert of Reims. Robert of Reims, abbot of Saint-Remi (1055–1122), wrote his
Historia Hierosolymitana that covers his participation at the Council of Clermont until as late as 1120. His history was written between 1107–1120 and is regarded as source material for the work of Gilo of Toucy. (
RHC Oc., Volume 3.IX, pp. 717–882,
MPL 155,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 330, 346) •
Baldric of Dol. Baldric of Dol (1046–1130) was bishop of Dol-Bretagne when he wrote his
Historiae Hierosolymitanae libri IV, an account of the First Crusade based on
Gesta Francorum. His work was edited by
Pierre de Maillezais. He also wrote
Vita di Roberti de Arbrisello, a biography of
Robert of Arbrissel. (
RHC Oc., Volume 4.II,
MPL 166,
Aa. Ss. 6,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 115n, 330, 344) •
Radulph of Caen. Radulph of Caen (Ralph of Caen) (1080 – after 1130) was a Norman chaplain who wrote
Gesta Tancredi in expeditione Hierosolymitana (The Deeds of Tancred in the Crusade). Ralph accompanied Bohemond of Taranto in 1107–1108, and wrote
Gesta Tancredi in 1113. (
RHC Oc., Volume 3.VIII, RISc 5,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 331, 346) •
Guibert of Nogent. Guibert of Nogent (1055–1124) was a Benedictine historian who wrote
Dei gesta per Francos (Deeds of God through the Franks) based on
Gesta Francorum and
Gesta Tancredi. The history was written in 1108 and reworked in 1121.
Dei gesta includes an account of the Council of Clermont and an eyewitness account of the preachings of
Peter the Hermit. (
RHC Oc., Volume 4.II,
Ges. D., MPL 156,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 108n, 113n, 124n, 330, 345) Most of the original sources were collected in
Gesta Dei per Francos (
Ges. D.), compiled by French historian
Jacques Bongars (1554–1612). The
Gesta also includes works by William of Tyre, Marino Sanudo and Pierre Dubois. (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 441n, 493)
Contemporaneous works on the First Crusade Works derived from the original Latin sources written primarily in the early part of the 12th century are listed below.
Major Sources. Major contemporaneous sources that are frequently cited include the following. •
Bardolf of Nangis. Bartolf of Nangis (died before 1109) was a French historian who, in 1108, published
Gesta Francorum Iherusalem expugnatium that drew heavily on
Gesta Francorum and Fulcher's now lost 1106 manuscript. (
Runc. Vol I, pp. 329, 344) •
William of Malmesbury. William of Malmesbury (1095–1143) was a prominent English historian whose
Gesta Regum Anglorum (Deeds of the Kings of the English) discusses the Council of Clermont based on Fulcher's
Gesta Francorum Iherusalem Perefrinantium and includes an account of the
White Ship disaster which claimed the lives of over 140 knights and noblemen including famed Crusader
Ralph the Red. (
MPL 179,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 329, 347) •
Richard of Poitiers. Richard of Poitiers (died 1174) was a French monk at Cluny Abbey who wrote (The Chronicle of Richard of Poitiers), a chronicle of history from
Genesis to the 1170s. His account of the Crusades were taken from Fulcher of Chartres. (
Runc. Vol I, p. 329) •
Sicard of Cremona.
Sicard of Cremona (1155–1215) was an Italian prelate and historian who wrote his
Chronica Universalis that covers universal history from the creation to 1213, includes material based on Fulcher of Chartres' work. His work was continued by Salimbene di Adam's
Cronica. (
MGH Scriptores XXXI, RISc 7,
Runc. Vol I, p. 329,
Runc. Vol II, p. 479,
Runc. Vol III, pp. 17n, 479) •
Hugh of Fleury. Hugh of Fleury (died after 1118), also known as Hugo Floriacensis or Hugo de S. Maria, was a French Benedictine monk who wrote
Itineris Hierosolymitani Compendium based on Tudebode's
Historia. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.VIII.vi,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 330, 345) •
Henry of Huntingdon. Henry of Huntingdon (1088–1157) was an English historian whose
De Captione Antiochiae is excerpted from his
Historia Anglorum (The History of The English). It was written before 1129 and includes a section on the First Crusade based on Tudebode's
Historia. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.VIII.x,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 330, 345) •
Caffaro di Rustico da Caschifellone. Caffaro di Rustico da Caschifellone (1080–1166) was a Genoese admiral and historian who wrote
De liberatione civitatum Orientis (On the Liberation of the Cities of the East) and began the
Annales ianuenses (Genoese annals). His work provides a Genoese perspective on the First Crusade and the
Embriaco family. A later historian wrote
Regni Ierosolimitani brevis hystoria, which is regarded as a continuation of Caffaro's . (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.II (),
Runc. Vol I, pp. 332, 344,
Runc. Vol II, pp. 478n, 494) •
Walter the Chancellor. Walter the Chancellor (died after 1122) was a French or Norman Crusader who wrote
Bella Antiochena (Wars of Antioch) covering the history of the Principality of Antioch from 1114–1122. He was likely present at the
battle of Ager Sanguinis in 1119. Walter wrote his history between 1119 and 1122 while he was serving as chancellor of the principality. (
MPL 155,
RHC Oc., Volume 5.III,
Runc. Vol II, pp. 476, 495) •
Gilo of Toucy. Gilo of Toucy (died between 1139–1142) was a French poet and cleric who wrote
Historia de via Hierosolymitana (Historia gestorum viæ nostri temporis Hierosolymitanæ), an epic verse history of the First Crusade covering the Council of Clermont through the capture of Jerusalem. The work was written before 1120 and it is believed that Gilo had access to participants. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.XIV,
Runc. Vol I, p. 345) •
Sigebert of Gembloux. Sigebert of Gembloux (1030–1112) was a Belgian Benedictine monk who wrote
Chronicon sive Chronographia, a chronological survey covering 381–1111, with an emphasis on 1008–1111. His work also addresses the
Rhineland massacres. A continuation of his work called
Auctarium Gemblacense was written by
Anselm of Gembloux (died 1136) and
Guillaume de Nangis. (
MGH Scriptores VI, VII,
MPL 160, RHF,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 115n, 346,
Runc. Vol II, p. 479)
Later works. Works written sometime after the First Crusade, but still regarded as original sources include the following: • '''Abridged version of Fulcher's Chronicle.'
Gesta Francorum Hierusalem expugantium is a s''horter version of Fulcher of Chartres'
Historia Hierosolymitana. Written ca. 1118, the work is cited separately in both RHC and a paper by Crusades historian
Jay Rubenstein. (
RHC Oc., Volume 3.VII, pp. 491–543) •
Geoffroy of Vigeois. Geoffroy of Vigeois (c. 1140 – after 1184), also known as Geoffroy du Breuil, was abbot of
Vigeois and a historian who wrote his
Chroniques covering the history of
Limoges and its citizens from 994-1182. The
Chroniques provide and account of the
siege of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man of 1098 and the role of the Limogenese knight
Gouffier of Lastours. It also discusses the rise of the
Cathars. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5, Preface, VIII.iii) • '''''Li Estoire de Jerusalem et d'Antioche
.' ''Li Estoire de Jerusalem et d'Antioche'' is an abbreviated, vernacular version of Fulcher of Chartres'
Gesta Francorum Iherusalem Perefrinantium, with additional accounts written in various French dialects. It was written by unknown authors after 1250. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.XII) •
Benedetto Accolti. Benedetto Accolti (1415–1464), also known as Benedict Aretini Accolti, was an Italian historian who wrote
De Bello a Christianis contra Barbaros gesto pro Christi Sepulchro et Judaea recuperandis libri IV (On the War carried on by the Christians against the Barbarians, for the Recovery of Christ's Sepulchre, and of Judea), a history of the First Crusade that is regarded as Crusader propaganda. Published in 1464, the sources are uncertain. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.XI,
Runc. Vol I, p. 344) • '''
Nomitia Historica.'
Godefridus Bullonius Nomitia Historica
is a biography of Godfrey of Bouillon first appearing in Histoire littéraire de la France
, tom. VIII. It draws on the works of William of Tyre and Orderic Vitalis. In the Patrologia Latina
edition, the work appears with editions of: Gesta Tancredi
(Radulph of Caen); Historia Francorum qui ceperunt Iherusalem
(Raymond of Aguilers); Historia Hierosolymitana
(Robert the Monk), Historia de Hierosolymitano itinere
(Peter Tudebode), with Joannis Besly Pictonis Præfatio; Historia Hierosolymitana
(Fulcher of Chartres); Historia gestorum viæ nostri temporis Hierosolymitanæ
(Gilo of Toucy); Bella Antiochena
(Walter the Chancellor); Liber Locorum Sanctorum Terræ Jerusalem
(Rorgo Fretellus); Descriptio terrae sanctae
(John of Würzburg); and Narrativ brevis belli sacri'' (Anonymous). (
MPL 155 [Godefridum, Appendix II])
Minor works. Other works that are limited in scope, highly derivative or sparsely cited are listed below. • '''
Expeditio contra Turcos.''' by an anonymous author is a short account based on Tudebode's
Historia.
Expeditio is also known as
Gesta Francorum et aliorum Hiersolymitanorum, seu Tudebodus abbreviatus. (
RHC Oc., Volume 3.II,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 330, 345) •
Theodorus Palidensis. (died after 1197), a monk at
Pöhlde Abbey, wrote a short piece called
Narratio profectionis Godefridi ducis ad Jerusalem about the First Crusade, as part of the
Annales Palidenses (Die Jahrbücher von Pöhlde). His work was based on that of Ekkehard of Aura. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.V,
MGH Scriptores, XVI) •
Frutolf of Michelsberg. Frutolf of Michelsberg (died 1103) was a Bavarian prior who wrote a
Chronicon universale (World Chronicle) covering Creation until 1099. His work was later extended by others including Ekkehard of Aura. (
MGH Scriptores XXXIII, LXXII,
Runc. Vol I, p. 330) • '''
Balduini III Historiae Nicenae vel Antichenae.'
Balduini III Historiae Nicenae vel Antichenae'' is an anonymous history of the First Crusade with a continuation to 1123. Written in 1146–1147 under the direction of
Baldwin III of Jerusalem, the account before 1100 is derivative of Fulcher of Chartres'
Historia Hierosolymitana. The work was discovered and edited by French historian
Edmond Martène in 1718. Also referred to as
Monitum in Balduini III Historiae Nicenae vel Antichenae Prologum. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.IV,
Runc. Vol I, p. 346) •
Primi belli sacri Narrationes minors is a series of fourteen short narratives or excerpts written on the Crusades, collected in the
Historiens occidentaux of RHC. These are: (i)
Gesta peregrinorum Andegavensium; (ii) (Geoffrey of Châlard); (iii)
Notitæ Duæ Lemovicenses de Praedicatione Crucis; (iv)
Gesta Adhemari, Episcopi Podiensis, Hiersolymitana; (v)
Narratio Floriacensis; (vi)
Itineris Hierosolymitani Compendium (Hugh of Fleury); (vii)
Gesta Triumphalia Pisanorum; (viii)
Chronicon breve Hierosolymitanum; (ix)
Narrativ brevis belli sacri; (x)
De Captione Antiochiae (Henry of Huntingdon); (xi)
Breviarium Passagii in Terram Sanctam (Hugh of Lerchenfeld); (xii)
Duellum Nicænum (Arnold of Lübeck); (xiii)
Proæmium primi belli sacri (Jacques de Vitry); and (xiv)
Exordium monastery S. Andreæ Brugensis. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.VIII) •
Gesta peregrinorum Andegavensium is an anonymous 12th century work describing portions of
Fragmentum Historiae Andegavensis (History of Anjou)
, written by
Fulk IV Rechin, dealing with the preaching of Urban II in northern France from 1095–1096 after the Council of Clermont. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.VIII.i) •
Geoffrey of Châlard (died 1125) founded the priory of Châlard in 1089 and his provides an account of Urban II's preaching at
Limoges late in 1095.
Gouffier of Lastours attempted to convince Geoffrey to take the cross, but a vision of local martyr convinced him to stay at le Châlard. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.VIII.ii) •
Notitæ Duæ Lemovicenses de Praedicatione Crucis in Aquitania is an anonymous account of the events of the First Crusade in 1095-1097 including the Rhineland massacres. The work is derivative of Sigebert of Gembloux's
Chronicon sive Chronographia and was attached to
Chroniques of Geoffroy du Breuil. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.VIII.iii,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 136n, 346) • '''
Gesta Adhemari, Episcopi Podiensis, Hiersolymitana.'
Gesta Adhemari, Episcopi Podiensis, Hiersolymitana'' (Deeds of Adhemar, Bishop of Le Puy, in the Holy Land) is a short anonymous work describing
Adhemar's leadership at
Nicaea and
Antioch, where he died in 1098.
Gesta Adhemari is included in the
Cartulaire de Saint-Chaffre. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.VIII.iv,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 110n, 345) •
Exordium monastery S. Andreæ Brugensis, from the Chronicle of the Abbey of Saint Andre of Bruges, edited by Arnold Goethals in 1504, covers the First Crusade from 1096-1098. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.VIII.xiv) •
Historia Gotfridi. Historia et Gesta Ducis Gotfridi seu historia de desidione Terræ sanctæ by anonymous German authors (
Anonymi Rhenani) covers the First Crusade and the period from 1106-1191. It is derivative of the works of Bartolf of Nangis, Robert the Monk, Jacques de Vitry and Oliver of Paderborn, and was published in 1141. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.X,
Runc. Vol I, p. 345) • '''
Scriptores Minores Quinti Belli sacri (SMQBS)'
(alternately, Quinti Belli sacri scriptores minores
) is a collection of minor works on the Crusades, edited by German historian Reinhold Röhricht. They include: (i) Ordinacio de predications Crucis in Anglia
; (ii) Gesta crucigerorum Rhenanorum
; (iii) Di Itinere Frisonum
; (iv) Gesta obsidionis Damiata
and Liber duelli Christiani in obsidione Damiatae exacti
; and (v) La Prise de Damiette en 1219''. (
Runc. Vol III, p. 494) Other works that cover the First Crusade include
Translatio Sancti Nicolai in Venetiam, Narratio Floriacensis, Solimarius by Gunther of Pairis and
Breviarium Passagii in Terram Sanctam by Hugh of Lerchenfeld (see below). (
Runc. Vol I, p. 345)
Works of William of Tyre and continuations William of Tyre (1130–1186) was a Jerusalem-born historian of French or Italian descent who is regarded as the greatest of the Crusade chroniclers. His
Historia Rerum in Partibus Transmarinis Gestarum and continuations by later historians are key to the understanding of the period. • '''
Historia.''' William's major work
Historia Rerum in Partibus Transmarinis Gestarum (History of Deeds Done Beyond the Sea) begins with the events of the First Crusade and goes through the events in the Holy Land through early 1184. It consists of twenty-three books written between 1170–1184. His account up through the capture of Jerusalem in 1099 is based on that of Albert of Aachen, and Fulcher of Chartres and Walter the Chancellor from 1100–1127. To a lesser extent, the history is also believed to be derivative of Raymond of Aguilers, Baldric of Dol and Usama ibn Munqidh. The period from 1127–1160 is based on official and personal records. (
RHC Oc., Volumes 1, 2,
MPL 202,
Ges. D., Runc. Vol I, pp. 331–332,
Runc. Vol II, pp. 476–477) •
Ernoul. Ernoul was a squire of
Balian of Ibelin who wrote ''La Chronique d'Ernoul et de Bernard le trésorier'' (The Chronicle of Ernoul and Bernard the Treasurer) that covers the period 1183–1197 including an eyewitness account to the fall of Jerusalem in 1187, the news of which caused Urban III to die of shock. The work is regarded as an extension of William of Tyre's
Historia. (
RHC Oc., Volume 1,
Runc. Vol II, pp. 477–478,
Runc. Vol III, pp. 4n, 481–482) • '''''Estoire d'Eracles'''
. The Estoire d'Eracles émperor
(History of Heraclius) is an anonymous history of Jerusalem from 630–1277. The work was written from 1205–1234 with additions from 1220–1277. Estoire d'Eracles'' draws from both Ernoul and Rothelin. (
RHC Oc., Volume 2,
Runc. Vol II, p. 477, pp. 481–482) •
Rothelin. The
Rothelin Continuation is an anonymous history covering the Holy Land from the period from 1229–1261, including the
Barons' Crusade, the
Seventh Crusade and the initial
Mongol raids in 1260. It only survives as part of ''Estoire d'Eracles.'' (
RHC Oc., Volume 2,
Runc. Vol III, p. 482) • '''
Itinerario di la Gran Militia. '
Itinerario di la Gran Militia, a la Pavese'' (Itinerary of the Great Army, in Pavese) is an anonymous 15th-century work on the First Crusade based on the work of William of Tyre. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.XIII).
French historical works and chansons The Franks wrote many accounts of the Crusades, the most important of which were the
chansons de geste (songs of heroic deeds) that formed the
Crusade cycle. These include the ''Chanson d'Antioche
and Chanson de Jérusalem
. The Occitan Canso d'Antioca
is in a similar format. They also provided many stories of chivalry which evolved after the Second Crusade. Additional historical material can be found in Recueil des historiens des Gaules et de la France
(RHF) compiled by Martin Bouquet and in the publications of the Société de l'histoire de France'' (SHF). '''
Chansons and other writings''' • '''''Chanson d'Antiche.'''
Chanson d'Antioche is a chanson de geste
said to be composed by one Richard the Pilgrim that describes the First Crusade from the original preaching through the taking of Antioch in 1098 and into 1099. While recognizing potential historical inaccuracies in the story, Chanson d'Antioche'' was a valuable resource in helping catalog participants in the early Crusades. (
Runc. Vol I, p. 332) •
Chanson de Jérusalem. Chanson de Jérusalem (Song of Jerusalem) is a 12th-century
chanson de geste celebrating the capture of Jerusalem in 1099. • '''''Canso d'Antioca
. ' ''
Canso d'Antioca is an Occitan chanson de geste'' composed between 1108–1118 that describes the First Crusade up to the siege of Antioch in 1097–1098. (
Runc. Vol I, p. 332) •
Le Pèlerinage de Charlemagne. Le Pèlerinage de Charlemagne (c. 1140) (
Pilgrimage of Charlemagne or ''Charlemagne's Voyage to Jerusalem and Constantinople
) is an Old French chanson de geste'' dealing with a fictional expedition by
Charlemagne and his knights. •
Chanson du Chevalier au Cygne (c. 1192) is a
chanson de geste based on the tale of the
Knight of the Swan, reworked to have the hero a legendary ancestor of
Godfrey of Bouillon. (
Runc. Vol I, pp. 332, 344) •
Chrétien de Troyes.
Chrétien de Troyes (fl. 1160 – 1191) was a French poet and
trouvère who wrote a number of Arthurian romances and whose
Conte du graal may have been inspired by
Baldwin IV of Jerusalem. His work focused on chivalry and was influential among Crusaders. •
Jaufre Rudel. Jaufre Rudel (died after 1147) was an Occitan troubadour who likely died on the Second Crusade after writing
chansons about his experiences. His fictionalized biography claims he was inspired to go on crusade upon hearing of the beauty of
Melisende of Tripoli. (
Runc. Vol III, p. 490) •
Ordene de chevalerie. Ordene de chevalerie (Order of Knighthood) is an Old French poem written c. 1220 and provides a fictional account of the Kingdom of Jerusalem before the
Third Crusade. The work may have drawn on
Conte du graal and is included in an Old French translation of William of Tyre. •
Giraut de Bornelh. Giraut de Bornelh (c. 1138 – 1215) was a Provençal troubadour who took a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and may later have participated in the Third Crusade. Among his poems are a criticism of Gregory VIII on his relative inaction after the loss of Jerusalem in 1187. (
Runc. Vol III, p. 5n) •
Guyot of Provins. Guyot of Provins (died after 1208) was a Cluniac
trouvère and satirist who may have participated in the Third Crusade and Fourth Crusade. His six surviving songs were written around 1180. Following the
sack of Constantinople in 1204, he questioned in his
Œuvres why the pope would allow a Crusade against fellow Christians. (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 127–128, 496) •
Saladin in Literature. Saladin is depicted in many works, some partially historical. ''Estoires d'Outremer et de la naissance Salehadin
(History of Overseas and of the birth of Saladin) is an anonymous account of the Crusades from 1099–1230, including a fictional account of Saladin as the descendant of a countess of Ponthieu. Ordene de chevalerie'' (Order of Knighthood) is a French poem (c. 1220) about the Kingdom of Jerusalem before the Third Crusade where Saladin becomes a knight. Dante's
Divine Comedy depicts him as a virtuous non-Christian held in limbo. •
Guillem Figuera.
Guillem Figuera (died after 1244) was a French troubadour in the court of emperor
Frederick II in the 1230s. His poem ''D'un sirventes far
(sirventes'' against Rome) bitterly accused Rome of perfidy and was written in 1229 during the
Albigensian Crusade. (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 128, 495) •
Raoul de Soissons. Raoul de Soissons (1210–1270) was a French
trouvère who wrote seven
chansons about his participation the
Barons' Crusade,
Seventh Crusade and
Eighth Crusade, where is presumed to have died in 1270. He was married to
Alice of Champagne and, with her, served as regent to
Conrad II of Jerusalem. • '''
Le Tournoi de Chauvency.'
Jacques Bretel (fl. 1285) was a French trouvère
who wrote Le Tournoi de Chauvency'' concerning the
Tournament of Chauvency held in 1285 by
Louis V, Count of Chiny, bringing together nearly 500 knights from around Europe. Many of the participants were past or future Crusaders. It is believed that Louis held the tournament to refute the story of the refusal of his direct ancestor
Arnold I of Chiny to provide his sons to the
army of Godfrey of Bouillon. Note that Arnold's daughter Helvide accompanied her husband
Dodo of Cons with Godfrey on the First Crusade. •
Rutebeuf. Rutebeuf (fl. 1245 – 1285) was a French
trouvère who wrote
Onze Poèmes concernant la Croisade that includes elegies to
Geoffrey of Sergines,
Odo of Nevers,
Theobald II of Navarre, and
Alphonse of Poitiers. (
Runc. Vol III, p. 497) •
Geoffrey de Charny. Geoffroi de Charny (1300–1356) was a French knight who was the author of several books on chivalry including the
Book of Chivalry. He and his wife are the first recorded owners of the
Shroud of Turin, lost after the
sack of Constantinople in 1204 (see Robert de Clari below).
French chronicles, histories and biographies. •
Hincmar. Hincmar (806–882) was a French jurist and propagandist for
Charles the Bald who struggled with papal authority including with
Leo IV,
Nicholas I and
John VIII. He wrote the extension of
Annales Bertiniani (Annals of St. Bertin's) begun by
Prudentius of Troyes, continuing the work to 882, and
Opera Omnia, containing the
Epistolæ et decreta of John VIII as well as popes
Marinus I and
Adrian III. He also wrote
De divortio Lotharii regis et Theutbergae reginae concerning king
Lothair II. (
MPL 125, 126,
MGH Scriptores rer. Germ. V) •
Rodulfus Glaber. Rodulfus Glaber the Bald (985–1047) was a French monk and chronicler whose
Historium Sui Temporis provides a history of the Franks from 900–1045. (RHF Vol X,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 46, 346) •
Fulbert of Chartres. Fulbert of Chartres (before 970 – 1028), bishop of Chartres, wrote his
Epistolae in 1020 on the lord-vassal relationship at the request of
William V, duke of Aquitaine. (RHF Vol X,
MPL 141,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 85n, 345) • '''
Cartulaire de Saint-Chaffre.'
Cartulaire de Saint-Chaffre
is a cartulary of the abbey of Saint-Chaffre (diocese of Le Puy-en-Velay) that includes an account of Guido II, bishop of Le Puy-en-Velay from 975–993 and the early life of Adhemar of Le Puy. The Cartulaire
also includes the anonymous Gesta Adhemari, Episcopi Podiensis, Hiersolymitana'', a short account of Adhemar's role in the First Crusade. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5, Preface VIII.iv,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 85n, 110n, 344) •
Miracles de Saint-Benoît. Sur les Miracles de Saint-Benoît du Sault is an account of French history from 878–1050 by the monks of
Fleury Abbey, most importantly by the chronicler
Aimoin of Fleury (960–1010). The work discusses the
Peace and Truce of God movement and the massacre of 700 clerics at Bénécy in 1038. (
SHF,
MGH Scriptores XXVI, Aa. Ss. OSB,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 86n, 346) •
Gesta Consulum Andegavorum.
Gesta Consulum Andegavorum is a Latin work compiled by Jean de Marmoutier (fl. 1170) concerning the counts of Anjou from 1100–1140. It was edited and translated into the French work ''Chroniques des comtes d'Anjou et des seigneurs d'Amboise'' by
Louis Halphen and
René Poupardin. •
Historiae Gaufredi. Historiae Gaufredi ducis Normannorum et comitis Andegauorum is a biography of
Geoffrey Plantagenet, duke of Normandy and count of Anjou, by Jean de Marmoutier (fl. 1170). Dedicated to Guillaume de Passavant, bishop of Le Mans from 1142–1186. Geoffrey was the father of
Henry II of England. •
Thiou of Morigny. Thiou of Morigny was a chronicler at the
abbey of Morigny who wrote
Chronicon Mauriniacense covering French history from 1108–1147 and includes the genealogy of the
houses of Montlhéry and Le Puiset. (RHF Vol XXII,
Runc. Vol II, pp. 190n, 248n, 253n, 494) • '''
Milites Regni Francaiæ.'
Milites Regni Francaiæ'' is an anonymous work that provided estimates of the size of French forces from Normandy during the reign of
Philip II of France (1180–1223). (RHF Vol XXII,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 339n, 346) •
William le Breton. William le Breton (c.1165 – after 1226) was a French chronicler who wrote
Gesta Philippi H. regis Francorum and
Philippis about the life and times of
Philip II of France (1180–1223). (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 36n, 52n, 497) •
Alberic of Trois-Fontaines.
Alberic of Trois-Fontaines (died 1252) was a French chronicler whose
Chronicon traces history from Creation until 1241. (RHF Vol XVIII,
Runc. Vol III, p. 494) •
Maius chronicon Lemovicense. The
Maius chronicon Lemovicense or Great Chronicle of Limoges is a collection of 13th-century historical notices and chronicles of
Limoges preserved in three related manuscripts. •
Guillaume de Nangis. Guillaume de Nangis (died 1300) was a French chronicler wrote his
Chronicon, a history of the world from Creation until 1300, and is partially based on that of Sigebert of Gembloux. Some of his works are included in the
Grandes Chroniques de France. His account of the White Ship disaster claimed that all men aboard were sodomites. (RHF Vol XX,
Runc. Vol II, p. 495) • '''
Grandes Chroniques de France.'''
Grandes Chroniques de France is a compilation of the history of France produced between the 13th and 15th centuries. The original work traced the kings of the Franks from the origins until the death of
Philip II of France in 1223, and extended at a later date to the death of
Charles V of France in 1380. •
Gesta Dei per Francos '
(Ges. D.
).'''
Gesta Dei per Francos'' (God's Work through the Franks) is a collection of Crusader documents edited by French historian
Jacques Bongars (1554–1612). The collection was published in 1611 and is considered the precursor to
Recueil des historiens des croisades. •
Solomon bar Simpson Chronicle. The
Solomon bar Simpson Chronicle is an anonymous Hebrew narrative history concerning the Rhineland massacres written around 1140. (
Runc. Vol I, pp. 136–140n, 350) •
Eliezer ben Nathan. Eliezer ben Nathan (1090–1170) was a
halakist and poet who wrote of the Rhineland massacres through four pieces of liturgical verse known as
Relation. A German translation is provided in
Quellen zur Geschichte der Juden in Deutschland. (
Runc. Vol I, pp. 136–140n, 343, 350) •
Mainz Anonymous. Mainz Anonymous (
The Narrative of the Old Persecutions) is a Hebrew account of the First Crusade with an emphasis on the massacres at
Mainz. (
Runc. Vol I, pp. 137n, 350)
History of the Latin East, 1100–1192 Original sources after the capture of Jerusalem in 1099 include accounts of the
Crusade of 1101 and subsequent developments, the
Second Crusade (1147–1150), the
capture of Jerusalem by
Saladin in 1187 and the
Third Crusade (1189–1192). These include the William of Tyre works as well as the following.
The Kingdom through the Second Crusade •
De expugnatione Lyxbonensi. De expugnatione Lyxbonensi is an anonymous chronicle probably written in the late 12th century by an Anglo-Norman priest. It describes the organization and the theological justification used by the Anglo-Norman Crusaders who aided the Portuguese in their conquest of the city of Lisbon (1147) during the Second Crusade. •
Historia Gothorum. Historia Gothorum were anonymous annals that were probably written in the late 12th century or early 13th century covering the life of
Afonso I Henriques of Portugal. It contains a section that describes an early attempt by a group of Anglo-Norman Crusaders to take Lisbon as part of their sea journey to the Holy Land c. 1142. •
Narratio Floriacensis. Narratio Floriacensis de captis Antiochia et Hierosolyma, et obsess Dyrrachio is an anonymous chronicle written at Fleury in 1110 covering period from the
siege of Antioch in 1098 through the end of the Crusade of Bohemond of Taranto of 1107-1108. In particular, it covers the role of
Arnulf of Chocquesat the siege of Antioch, the
army of William IX of Aquitaine in the Crusade of 1101 and the
siege of Dyrrhachium of 1107–1108. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.VIII.v) •
Gesta Triumphalia Pisanorum. Gesta Triumphalia Pisanorum in Captione Jerusalem is a chronicle of Pisa and her support for the Crusades from 1098–1120, written by an unknown Pisan crusader. The work includes an account of the
first siege of Arsuf of 1102. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.VIII.vii) •
Chronicon breve Hierosolymitanum. Chronicon breve Hierosolymitanum is a short chronology of the Crusades from 1097–1124, including the capture of
Nicaea,
Antioch, Jerusalem,
Caesarea, Acre, Tripoli, Beirut,
Sidon and Tyre, and the death of
Baldwin I of Jerusalem in 1118. The work is contained in ''Époque féodale, les Capétiens jusqu'en 1180'', edited by
Auguste Molinier. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.VIII.viii) •
Narrativ brevis belli sacri. Anonymi Florinensis,
Narrativ brevis belli sacri (A short narrative of the Holy War) is a history of the kingdom 1096–1128 by an anonymous author. It is based partially on the work of Sigebert of Gembloux. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.VIII.ix,
MPL 155) •
Odo of Deuil. Odo of Deuil (1110–1162) was a French historian and participant in the Second Crusade as the chaplain to
Louis VII of France. His
De profectione Ludovici VII in Orientem (On Louis VII's journey to the East) covers the period from the origins of the Crusade in France to prior to the
siege of Damascus in 1148. (
Runc. Vol II, p. 478) •
Otto of Freising. Otto of Freising (1114–1158) was a German historian and participant in the Second Crusade who wrote
Gesta Friderici imperatoris (Deeds of Emperor Frederick) based on his experiences. The four books of
Gesta Friderici cover the periods through the death of Holy Roman Emperor
Conrad III, five years of rule by his successor
Frederick I, and two books for the period from 1156–1170. The last two books were written by the chronicler
Rahewin, possibly with Otto's help through 1158. He also wrote
Chronica sive Historia de duabus civitatibus (History of the two cities) covering the history of Germany and Jerusalem through 1146. (
Runc. Vol II, p. 478) • '''
Annales Herbipolenses.'
Annales Herbipolenses'' (Annals of Würzburg) is a work by an anonymous cleric in Würburg is a history covering the Second Crusade from 1125–1158, with later material covering 1201–1204 and 1215. It is regarded as a continuation of Ekkehard of Aura's
Chronicon universale and is included in
Devastatio Constantinopolitana. (
MGH Scriptores XVI.3,
Runc. Vol II, pp. 267n, 493) •
Suger of St. Denis. Suger of St. Denis (1081–1151) was a French abbot and historian who wrote
Vita Ludovici regis, a biography of
Louis VI of France, and
Historia gloriosi regis Ludovici, a biography of Louis VII of France. (
MPL 186, RHF,
Runc. Vol II, pp. 286n, 478, 495) •
Annales de le Terre Sainte. The anonymous
Annales de le Terre Sainte, published sometime after the Second Crusade provides insight into the period from 1131–1222 and served as a source for other works such as
Chronique de Terre Sainte. (
AOL Vol II,
Runc. Vol II, pp. 478, 493,
Runc. Vol III, p. 482) •
Joseph ha-Kohen. Joseph ha-Kohen (1496-1575), also known as Joseph ben Joshua ben Meir, was a physician and writer whose
Chronicle documented the massacre of Jews in the Rhineland in 1146 during the Second Crusade by a French monk named
Radulphe. These atrocities are also described in St. Bernard's
Epistolae. (
Runc. Vol II, pp. 255n, 497)
The loss of Jerusalem and the Third Crusade •
Expugnatione Terrae Sanctae per Saladinum. Libellus de Expugnatione Terrae Sanctae per Saladinum expeditione (Little book about the conquest of the Holy Land by Saladin) or
Chronicon Terrae Sanctae (Chronicle of the Holy Land) is an anonymous Latin work covering the fall of Jerusalem in 1187 to Saladin. The first part begins with the death of
Baldwin V of Jerusalem in 1186 and ends with the surrender of Jerusalem to the
Ayyubids in 1187. The second part relates the spread of the news of the surrender to Europe through the
siege of Acre and arrival of the Third Crusaders in 1189.
(Runc. Vol II, pp. 478, 494) •
Tageno. Tageno (died 1190) was a
Bavarian clergyman and participant in the Third Crusade. His account
Descriptio expeditionis Asiaticae Friderici (Description of the Asian Expedition of Frederick) has been described as a diary that covers the period 1189–1190. The work
Historia de expeditione Friderici imperatoris is believed to be derivative of Tageno's. He died in Syria on the expedition. •
Magnus of Reichersberg. Magnus of Reichersberg (died 1195) was a German canon and historian whose chronicle of
Reichersberg Abbey covers the years 1167–1195, including the role of
Frederick I in the Third Crusade. His work includes Tageno's
Descriptio is its entirety and was later extended to 1279. •
Historia de expeditione Friderici imperatoris. The anonymous
Historia de expeditione Friderici imperatoris ("History of the Expedition of the Emperor Frederick"), or
Espeditio Friderici Imperatoris, provides a history of the Third Crusade from 1189–1192 with an emphasis on the expedition of Frederick I Barbarossa including the
battle of Iconium of 1190. The author may have been Ansbert (fl. 1190), an Austrian cleric and historian. (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 10–11n, 483, 495) •
Historia Peregrinorum. History of the Pilgrims (
Historia Peregrinorum) is an anonymous account of Frederick I during the Third Crusade. Its three parts discuss the conquests of Saladin, preparation for the crusade and the crusade itself. (
MGH Scriptores rer. Germ. N.S. V,
Runc. Vol III, pp. 10–11n, 493, 496) •
Epistola de morte Friderici imperatoris. The anonymous
Epistola de morte Friderici imperatoris is an account of the activities of Frederick I on Third Crusade.(
MGH Scriptores rer. Germ. N.S. V,
Runc. Vol III, pp. 10n, 495) •
Arnold of Lübeck. Arnold of Lübeck (died 1211/1214) was a Benedictine monk and chronicler who wrote
Duellum Nicænum, a continuation of Helmold's
Chronica Sclavorum until the year 1209. This includes accounts of Frederick I in the Third Crusade and his cousin
Henry the Lion. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.VIII.xii,
MGH Scriptores in usum scholarum,
Runc. Vol II, pp. 393n, 493,
Runc. Vol III, pp. 11n, 99n) •
De Expungnata Accone. was a poem about the
siege of Acre of 1189–1191 by
Aymar the Monk (Haymar Monachus, died 1202), Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem from 1194–1202. The work describes the death of
Stephen I, Count of Sancerre late in 1190 and his brother
Theobald V, Count of Blois a few months later in 1191. (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 32, 496) •
Deeds of Ludwig III of Thuringia. Landgraf Ludwigs Kreuzfahrt).
Kreuzfahrt des Landgrafen Ludwigs des Frommen von Thüringen is an anonymous German poem written in 1301 dealing with the exploits of
Louis III of Thuringia during the Third Crusade that also includes a description of the fall of Jerusalem and the call for the new Crusade. •
Itinerarium Regis Ricardi. The anonymous
Itinerarium Regis Ricardi (
Itnerarium Peregrinarum et Gesta Regis Ricardi) compiled by Richard de Templo and once attributed to medieval grammarian
Geoffrey of Vinsauf, is an account to the Third Crusade from 1189–1192, with well-regarded accounts of Saladin's conquest of Jerusalem and the subsequent campaign of
Richard I of England. (
Rolls Series,
Runc. Vol II, pp. 324n, 494,
Runc. Vol III, pp. 5n, 19n, 483) •
Ambroise of Normandy. Ambroise of Normandy (fl. 1190) was a Norman poet and chronicler who wrote of the Third Crusade in his Old French poems
L´Estoire de la guerre sainte and
Itinerarium regis Ricardi. Both works are regarded as historical sources of Richard I of England, beginning with his taking the cross as Count of Poitou in 1187. (
MGH Scriptores XXVII,
Runc. Vol II, pp. 478–479,
Runc. Vol III, pp. 5n–9n, 483) •
Richard of Devizes. Richard of Devizes (fl. 1190) was an English chronicler and monk who wrote
Chronicon de rebus gestis Ricardi Primi covering the reign of Richard I of England from 1189–1192.
Annales de Wintonia, an English chronicle through 1135, has also been attributed to him. (
Rolls Series,
Runc. Vol III, pp. 482, 497) •
Roger of Howden. Roger of Howden (fl. 1174 – 1201) was an English chronicler who accompanied Richard I of England on the Third Crusade. His histories include
Gesta Regis Ricardi and
Gesta Henrici Regis Secundi. covering 1170–1192,
Chronica, covering 732–1201. The
Gesta Regis Ricardi provides insight into the aftermath of the loss of Jerusalem in Europe, with
Joscius of Tyre attempting to reconcile
Henry II of England and
Philip II of France at the conference at Gisors. His work was previously attributed to
Benedict of Peterborough. (
Rolls Series,
Runc. Vol II, pp. 442n, 493, 495,
Runc. Vol III, pp. 5n-11n [as Benedict of Peterborough]) •
Hugh of Lerchenfeld (died after 1201) wrote a continuation of
Annales Ratisponensie ("Annals of Regensburg") called
Breviarium Passagii in Terram Sanctam. The original
Annales covered the period from the time of Christ until 1167, and Hugh extended it for the years 1173-1201 and it was later extended to 1216. He also added material on the First Crusade from Robert the Monk and Ekkehard of Aura. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.VIII.xi,
MGH Scriptores XVII,
Runc. Vol I, p. 345) •
Ralph de Diceto.
Ralph de Diceto (Radulph of Diceto) (1120–1202) was Dean of
St. Pauls Cathedral who wrote two books
Abbreviationes chronicorum, based on the works of Robert of Torigni, and
Ymagines historiarum that cover the periods from the birth of Christ until 1147, and from 1147–1202, respectively. (
Rolls Series,
Runc. Vol II, p. 495,
Runc. Vol III, pp. 9n, 482) •
Peter of Blois. Peter of Blois (1130–1211) was a French theologian who wrote
Passio Reginaldi, concerning the Third Crusade and the execution of
Raynald of Châtillon by Saladin,
Dialogus inter regem Henricum secundum et abbatem Bonnevallensem, about
Henry II of England, and
Conquestio de dilatione vie Ierosolimitane, concerning the fall of Jerusalem in 1187. (
MPL 207) •
Narratio Itineris Navalis ad Terram Sanctam is an anonymous account of a Third Crusader's travel by ship to the Holy Land, stopping to conquer the Moorish city of
Silves. (
MGH Scriptores rer. Germ. N.S. V,
Runc. Vol III, pp. 9n, 496) •
Gesta Philippi Augusti. Rigord (1150–1209) was a French chronicler who wrote
Gesta Philippi Augusti, covering the reign of
Philip II of France from 1179–1206, including his role in the Third Crusade
. (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 9n, 483, 497) •
Die Briefe des Canonicus was a chronicle of the Third Crusade written by
Guy of Bazoches (before 1146 – 1203), a French cleric had taken part in the retinue of
Henry II of Champagne. • '''''Chronicle of Richard the First's Crusade''''' is an account by
Geoffrey of Vinsauf (fl. 1200). In Chronicles of the Crusades (1848), published in Bohn's Libraries.
Related histories. •
Historia Rerum Anglicarum. William of Newburgh (1136–1198) was an English historian who wrote
Historia rerum Anglicarum (History of English Affairs). Also known as
Historia de rebus anglicis, the work covers the period from 1066–1195. (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 482, 498) •
Orderic Vitalis. Orderic Vitalis (1075–1142) was an English chronicler who wrote
Historia Ecclesiastica, a general social history of medieval England that includes a section on the First Crusade, with an emphasis on
Robert Curthose, Duke of Normandy. The account begins with the Council of Clermont and goes through the 1137 submission of
Raymond of Poitiers to emperor
John II Komnenos. His
Historia draws heavily on Fulcher's
Gesta Francorum Iherusalem Perefrinantium and his friend Baldric's
Historiae Hierosolymitanae libri IV. He also contributed to the continuation of
Gesta Normannorum Ducum. (
MPL 188,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 111n, 346,
Runc. Vol II, p. 479) •
Chronicle of Novgorod. The
Novgorod First Chronicle provides a history of
Novgorodian Rus' from 1016–1471, including discussions of the fall of Constantinople in 1204 and the Mongol invasion of the West. (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 117n, 122n, 247n, 499) •
Melisande Psalter. The
Melisende Psalter is a manuscript commissioned around 1135 by Fulk of Jerusalem for his wife Melisende. The historical value of the psalter is for its contribution to the understanding of Crusader art, but also provides a calendar of event relating to the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
Gestes des Chiprois Les Gestes des Chiprois (Deeds of the Cypriots) is an Old French chronicle of the history of the
Crusader states and
Kingdom of Cyprus between 1132 and 1309. The work was based on previous and original sources, and was completed in 1315–1320. The anonymous author was likely from Tyre, becoming a member of the chancery of the Knights Templar.
Gestes des Chiprois and the work and continuations of William of Tyre form the basis of the study of Outremer after the Third Crusade. The chronicle is in three parts:
Chronique de Terre Sainte, Philip of Navarro's
History, and
Chronique du Templier de Tyr. • '''
Chronique de Terre Sainte.'
The anonymous Chronique de Terre Sainte
covers the period from 1131–1222 and is based on the Annales de le Terre Sainte.
Its brief narrative serves as the beginning portion of Gestes des Chiprois.'' (
Runc. Vol III, p. 482) • '''Philip of Novara's
History.'
Philip of Novara (1200–1270) was an Italian historian who wrote History of the War between the Emperor Frederick and Sir John of Ibelin,
covering the period 1223–1242, and is included in Gestes des Chiprois, ''which also five poems written by Philip on particular episodes during the war. Philip's
Le Livre de forme de plait is part of the
Assizes of Jerusalem. (
RHC Lois, Volume 1.IV,
Runc. Vol III, pp. 482, 497) •
Chronique du Templier de Tir. The
Chronique du Templier de Tir is attributed to an unknown author referred to as the
Templar of Tyre (fl. 1315–1320), and draws on ''
Estoire d'Eracles'' through 1170 and his own experiences and oral testimony for the history through 1309. The work includes one of only two eyewitness accounts of the
fall of Acre in 1291 and the
trial of the Knights Templar in 1311. (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 484, 497) Templar of Tyre may be Gérard de Monréal, secretary to
Guillaume de Beaujeu, Grand Master of the Knights Templar, who died at the siege. (
RHC Ar., Volume 2.VI,
AOL Vol XIIIe, XIVe,
Runc. Vol III, pp. 482, 496)
Sources for the history of the later Crusades, 1192–1291 The history of the later Crusades from the
Fourth Crusade (1202–1204) through the
siege of Acre in 1291 is found in the sources below. •
Geoffrey of Villehardouin. Geoffrey of Villehardouin (1150–1215) was a knight and historian who wrote his chronicle
De la Conquête de Constantinople (On the Conquest of Constantinople) on the Fourth Crusade based on his experiences in the endeavor. The history, written in 1207, describes the
sack of Constantinople in 1204 and provides a list of German Crusaders. (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 110n, 483, 497) •
Robert de Clari. Robert de Clari (died after 1216) was a knight who participated in the Fourth Crusade and wrote
La Conquête de Constantinople which covers the period 1202–1205. He was one of the last to see the
Shroud of Turin prior to the sack of Constantinople in 1204 (see Geoffroi de Charny above) and participated in the plunder of relics from the city.
La Conquête provides a list of French participants in the Fourth Crusade. (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 110n, 483, 497) •
Devastatio Constantinopolitana. Devastatio Constantinopolitana was an anonymous account of the Fourth Crusade from the preaching of
Peter of Capua in 1198 until after the sack of Constantinople in 1204. The work also includes the accounts of the Crusade of 1101 and Second Crusade. The surviving manuscript includes Ekkehard of Aura's
Chronicon universale and the anonymous
Annales Herbipolenses. (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 119, 495) •
Martin of Pairis. Martin of Pairis (fl. 1200–1207) was abbot of the
monastery of Pairis who traveled on the Fourth Crusade. He was a major source for Gunther of Pairis'
Historia Constantinopolitana and wrote of the
translation of relics he brought to Pairis from the Crusade. •
Gunther of Pairis. Gunther of Pairis (1150–1220) was a German monk, who wrote
Historia Constantinopolitana about the Fourth Crusade,
Solimarius about the First Crusade and an epic
Ligurinus about Frederick I. Martin of Pairis was a source for Gunther's
Historia. Gunther celebrated Martin's plunder of relics from Constantinople, deeming the Byzantines insufficient to hold such sacred treasures. (
AOL Vol I,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 332, 345, as Gunther of Basle,
Runc. Vol III, p. 496) •
Anonymus Halberstadensis. Anonymus Halberstadensis (Anonymous of Halberstadt) wrote the
Deeds of the Bishops of Halberstadt as a defense of bishop
Conrad of Krosigk, a participant in the Fourth Crusade, who triumphantly returned to Germany with numerous relics from the Holy Land including holy thorns and hair of the Virgin Mary. He also wrote
De Peregrinatione in Greciam on his pilgrimage to Greece. (
Runc. Vol III, p. 495) • '''
Chronica Regia Coloniesis.'
The Chronica Regia Coloniesis
(Royal Chronicle of Cologne) is a Latin text that provides the history of the Frankish kings, Byzantine emperors and German kings and emperors from 576–1202. The work through 1106 depends on the Chronicon universale
of Ekkehard of Aura. It was continued through 1237 in Chronica sancti Pantaleonis. (MGH Scriptores in usum scholarum'',
Runc. Vol III, p. 495) •
Ralph of Coggeshall. Ralph of Coggeshall (died after 1227) was an English chronicler who continued a
Chronicon Anglicanum from the years 1187–1224, concentrating on the Third and Fourth Crusades.
Chronicon Anglicanum draws upon
Chronicon Terræ Sanctæ, which was once attributed to him. (
Rolls Series,
Runc. Vol II, p. 495) •
Compilation of the Fourth Crusade. The collection
Translations and Reprints from the Original Sources of European History (1894–1900) contains a compilation (Volume 3.I) of original sources of the Fourth Crusade, edited by
Dana Carleton Munro (1866–1933). The sources are excerpted, arranged as a chronology. •
Peter of Vaux-de-Cernay. Peter of Vaux-de-Cernay (died c. 1218) was a
Cistercian monk of
Vaux-de-Cernay Abbey who wrote
Historia Albigensis, a chronicle of the
Albigensian Crusade. •
Jacques de Vitry. Jacques de Vitry (James of Vitry) (1160/1170–1240) was a theologian and historian who wrote
Historia Orientalis (
Historia Hierosolymitana) and
Epistolae on the history of the Holy Land from the advent of Islam until the
Fifth Crusade. Afterwards he helped organized the
Sixth Crusade. The first part of
Historia Orientalis appears in
Historiens occidentaux as
Proæmium primi belli sacri, covering the years 1095-1098. (
RHC Oc., Volume 5.VIII.xiii,
Ges. D., PPTS XI.2,
Runc. Vol III, pp. 167n, 483, 485, 497) •
Oliver of Paderborn. Cardinal
Oliver of Paderborn (died 1227), also known as
Oliverus scholasticus, wrote his
Historia Damiatina reflecting his experience in the Fifth Crusade.
Historia Damiatina,
De Itinere Frisonum and
Gesta Crucigerorum Rhenanorum are critical sources for the Fifth Crusade.
(Runc. Vol III, pp. 145, 483, 497 [Opera, I.
Historia Damiatina, II.
Epistolae]) •
Roger of Wendover. Roger of Wendover (died 1236) was an English chronicler who wrote a version of
Flores Historiarum (Flowers of History) covering the period from 1188 through the Fifth Crusade, identifying the English participants including
Ranulf de Blondeville, Earl of Chester,
William d'Aubigny, Earl of Arundel,
William de Ferrers, Earl of Derby, and
Saer de Quincy, Earl of Winchester. (
MGH Scriptores XXVIII,
Rolls Series,
Runc. Vol III, pp. 8n, 155n, 496, 497) •
Gesta Crucigerorum Rhenanorum. Gesta Crucigerorum Rhenanorum is an anonymous Latin eyewitness account of the Fifth Crusade written by a cleric who travelled with a fleet from the Rhineland. It covers the period 1217–1219 and was written shortly after the
capture of Damietta. It ends with the return of the Rhenish crusaders and does not describe the disastrous end of the Crusade. •
De Itinere Frisonum. De itinere Frisonum is an eyewitness account of the journey of the Frisian crusading fleet from
Friesland to Acre in 1217 to participate in the Fifth Crusade. The work describes the motivation of the participants regarding a series of raids against the Andalusi settlements of Faro, Rota and
Cadiz. The work is related to the anonymous
Gesta Crucigerorum Rhenanorum, a narrative of the Fifth Crusade. (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 147, 495) •
Historia Albigensis. Historia Albigensis is a chronicle of the
Albigensian Crusade, by Cistercian monk and chronicler
Peter of Vaux de Cernay (died c. 1218). (
MPL 213) •
Joannes de Thurocz. Joannes de Thurocz (1435 – c.1489) was a Hungarian historian whose
Chronica Hungarorum covers through 1487, including a narrative of
Andrew II of Hungary during the Fifth Crusade. Andrew's major activity consisted of the collection relics including the jug of the
marriage at Cana, and the heads of Saint Stephen and
Margaret of Antioch. After the death of
Hugh I of Cyprus in 1218, Andrew departed, despite the pleading of
Raoul of Mérencourt, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, returning to Europe with his relics. Safe passage granted by the Seljuk sultan
Kaykaus I. (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 148n, 149n, 497) •
Freidank. Freidank (died 1233) was a German poet who wrote
Bescheidenheit (practical wisdom, correct judgement, discretion) which provided an eyewitness account of the city of Acre during the
Sixth Crusade. •
Philippe Mouskes. Philippe Mouskes (before 1220 – 1282) was the author of
Chronique rimée, a rhymed chronicle that draws on the history of the Franks, from their origins until 1242. • '''
Speculum Historiale.'
Vincent of Beauvais (1184–1264) was a French Dominican friar who wrote the encyclopedic Speculum Maius (Great Mirror). The part of the work called Speculum Historiale'' (Mirror of History), translated by
Jean de Vignay, is a universal history from Creation to at least 1250. The work includes discussions on the First Crusade on through the
Seventh Crusade. (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 78, 261n, 497) •
Jean de Joinville. Jean de Joinville (1224–1317) was a French chronicler who wrote the influential
Life of Saint Louis, a biography of
Louis IX of France. Joinville accompanied Louis on the Seventh Crusade and
Eighth Crusade and wrote his biography between 1305–1309, relying on the
Grandes Chroniques de France for events after 1254. He was with Louis during his captivity by the Egyptians in 1250 after the
battle of al-Mansurah and reported interactions of the king with the
Assassins. (
Runc. Vol III, p. 484) • '''
Epistola ad subditos suos in regno Franciae constitutos.'
In a letter to the kingdom, Epistola ad subditos suos in regno Franciae constitutos, de captione et liberatione sua, scripta in Acon, anno Domini 1250
, announces the capture and release of Louis IX of France by the Mamluks in 1250. It was sent after the king had relocated to Acre. (MPL 155 [Godefridum, Appendix II], Ges. D.'',
Runc. Vol III, pp. 270–272, 496) •
William de St. Pathus. William de St. Pathus (1250–1350) was a Franciscan friar who wrote
Vie de Saint Louis, a biography of Louis IX of France. From 1277-1295 he was confessor to Louis' wife
Margaret of Provence.
(
Runc. Vol III, pp. 280n, 498) •
Matthew Paris. Matthew Paris (1200–1259) was an English chronicler who wrote
Chronica Majora presenting a universal history from Creation until 1259. His work includes in-depth discussions of the
battle of Hattin in 1187 and
Frederick II and the Fifth and Sixth Crusades.
Chronica contains one of the earliest surviving maps of the Holy Land. He also wrote
Abbreviatio chronicorum (
Historia Minora) covering 1067–1253, remaining unfinished at his death. (
Rolls Series,
Runc. Vol III, pp. 434, 496). •
Primat of Saint-Denis. Primat of Saint-Denis (died c. 1277) was a French Benedictine monk and historian of the
abbey of Saint-Denis. He wrote
Roman des rois (Romance of Kings) tracing the kings of the Franks from the origins until the death of
Philip II of France in 1223 and extended at a later date to the death of
Charles V of France in 1380. •
Fidentius of Padua. Fidentius (Fidenzio) of Padua (before 1226 – after 1291) was a Franciscan friar and historian who published
Liber recuperations Terre Sancte, a history of the Holy Land and approaches to retaking the Kingdom of Jerusalem, delivered to pope
Nicholas IV.
Liber also included an adverse biography of Muhammad. (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 430–431, 495) •
Tolomeo of Lucca. Bartholomew of Lucca (1236–1327), also known as Tolomeo, was an Italian historian who wrote
Annales Luccienses covering events in Italy from 1061–1303. (
MGH Scriptores (new series), VIII,
Runc. Vol I, p. 346) •
Thaddeus of Naples. Thaddeus of Naples wrote based on eyewitness accounts of the fall of Acre of 1291. It is supplemented by the
De excisions urbis acconis, an anonymous account of the siege of Acre, and
Gestes des Chiprois. (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 414n, 484, 495)
Related histories and other works Other histories and literary works with limited discussion of the Crusade but still of interest have been cited by modern historians. These works include annals and poems, primarily Italian, German and English, providing accounts of European actives prior to 1095. Some of these are presented below.
Italian works •
Goffredo Malaterra. Goffredo Malaterra (fl. 1099) was a Benedictine monk and historian who wrote
De Rebus Gestis Rogerii Calabriae et Siciliae Comitis et Roberti Guiscardi Ducis fratris eius which chronicles the
Norman conquest of Italy in the mid-11th century, including
Robert Guiscard. Related contemporaneous works include the poem
Gesta Roberti Wiscardi by
William of Apulia and ''L'Ystoire de li Normant
(History of the Normans) and Chronicon'' by Amatus of Montecassino. (
MPL 149, RISc 5,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 37n, 100n, 344, 346) •
Amatus of Montecassino. Amatus of Montecassino (Aimé of Monte Cassino) (fl. 11th century) was a Benedictine monk and historian whose works ''L'Ystoire de li Normant
(History of the Normans) and Chronicon
are principal sources for the Norman conquest of Italy.
Amatus provides an account of a rich man from Amalfi who in 1023 financed hospitals in Jerusalem and Antioch. (Fonti per la Storia d'Italia,'' Lib VIII.3) •
Bariot Chronicles. The major chronicles of
Bari and southern Italy are
Annales Barenses (anonymous, covering 605–1102),
Annales Lupi Protospatharii (Lupus of Apulia, covering 805–1102) and
Anonymi Barensis Chronicon (or
Chronicon Barense, anonymous, covering 855–1118). Topics of the works include the Norman conquest of Italy and material on the First Crusade. (
MGH Scriptores V, RISc 5,
MPL 155,
Runc. Vol I, p. 344,
Runc. Vol II, pp. 47n, 493) • '''
Annales Beneventani.'
Annales Beneventani covers the history of the Santa Sophia monastery in Benevento from the time of Christ until 1128 in three editions. The later Annales Palidenses
includes a history of Rome in the 11th and 12 centuries. Both include material on pope Paschal II (1099-1118). (MGH Scriptores
III, V, Runc. Vol II,'' pp. 35n, 105n, 493) • '''
Annales Pisani.'
Bernardus Marago (1108/1110-1188) was an Italian noble from Pisa who wrote Annales Pisani,
the civic annals of Pisa, covering topics that include the Pisan-Genoese expeditions to Sardina from 1015-1016 and the early history of Daimbert of Pisa. (MGH Scriptores'' XIX,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 299n, 344) •
Landulph of Saint Paul. Landolph of Saint Paul (fl. 1077–1137), also known as Landulf Junior to distinguish him from
Landulf of Milan, was an Italian historian who wrote
Historia Mediolanensis (A Milanese History) concerning the events in Italy at the turn of the 12th century. (
Runc. Vol II, p. 494) •
Chronica Monasterii Casinensis. Chronica Monasterii Casinensis was a history of the monastery of Monte Cassino from 1075–1138, begun by
Leo of Ostio (1046–1117) and completed by Peter Diaconus (1107-ca.1140). (
MGH Scriptores VII, RISc 4,
MPL 173,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 88n, 346,
Runc. Vol II, pp. 211n, 495) •
Romuald of Salerno.
Romuald Guarna (1110/1120–1182) was archbishop of Salerno and wrote
Chronicon sive Annales covering the history of southern Italy and Sicily from Creation until 1178. (
MGH Scriptores XIX,
Runc. Vol II, p. 495) •
Cronichetta Lucchese. Cronichetta Lucchese is an Italian chronicle covering the history of
Lucca from 752-1304. This may be the work quoted by
Ferdinand Chalandon in his ''Histoire de la Première Croisade jusqu'à l'élection de Godefroi de Bouillon.'' In a letter from the clergy of Lucca, the despair of the Crusaders at the
siege of Antioch in 1098 is described. (
Runc. Vol I, pp. 238n, 338, 344, DK XVII) •
. The
Annales ianuenses (Geneose Annals) are the official history of Genoa, covering the period 1099–1234. They were begun by Caffaro di Rustico after 1156 following his history of the First Crusade. In 1163, the work was continued by various officials and finished by a scribe named Ogerius. (
MGH Scriptores XVIII,
Runc. Vol III, p. 495) •
Peter of Eboli. Peter of Eboli (f. 1194-1221) was an Italian poet and chronicler whose
Liber ad honorem Augusti, sive de rebus Siculis (Book to honor the Emperor, or the Affairs of Sicily) relates the death of
William II of Sicily in 1189 and his succession by
Tancred of Lecce. (
Runc. Vol III, p. 9n) •
Richard of San Germano. Richard of San Germano (before 1170 – after 1243) was an Italian notary, later chamberlain to emperor
Frederick II who wrote his
Chronica regni Siciliae, covering the history of southern Italy from the death of
William II of Sicily in 1189 until 1243. This is the principal source for the
War of the Keys. (
MGH Scriptores XIX, RISc 2,
Runc. Vol III, p. 497) •
Sequentia Andegavensis. Sequentia Andegavensis is a collection of hymns sung in Western Europe to celebrate the fall of Constantinople
(Constantinopolitana Civitas diu profana) in 1204. Reprinted in P. Riant's,
Exuviae. (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 128n, 497) •
Bartholomaeus of Neocastro. Bartholomaeus of Neocastro (1240–1293), known as Bartholomew, was an Italian jurist who wrote a chronicle
Historia Sicula concerning the
Kingdom of Sicily and
Kingdom of Naples from the death of emperor Frederick II in 1250 until 1293. (RISc 13,
Runc. Vol III, p. 495) •
Jacobus de Auria. Jacobus de Auria (fl. 1280–1294) wrote his
Annales covering this history of Genoa from 1280–1294. They were continued through 1436 by the
Castigatissimi Annali di Genova of Agostino Giustiniani. (
MGH Scriptores XVIII,
Runc. Vol III, p. 495)
German works • '''
Annales Altahenses.'
Annales Altahenses (Annals of Niederaltaich) are a set of annals compiled at the Niederaltaich Abbey covering a period 708-1073. The work covers the German pilgrimage of 1064-1065 to Jerusalem. (MGH Scriptores'' XX,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 49n, 344) •
Cosmas of Prague. Cosmas of Prague (c. 1045–1125) was a Bohemian historian whose
Chronica Boemorum covers Bohemian history from Creation until 1125, and includes an account of the Crusaders traversing of Bohemia and Hungary in 1096. (
MGH Scriptores VII,
Runc. Vol I, pp. 137n, 140n, 345) • '''
Annales Palidenses.'
Annales Palidenses, also known as Pöhlder Chronik
, are a set of annals written at Pöhlde Abbey in the later 12th century, based partially on the work of Honorius Augustodunensis (1080–1154), Ekkehard of Aura and Sigebert of Gembloux. The annals include an account of the First Crusade and the exploits of Conrad III of Germany during the Second Crusade. (MGH Scriptores
XVI, Runc. Vol II,'' pp. 268n, 285n, 493) •
Helmold of Bosau. Helmold of Bosau (c. 1120 – after 1177) was a Saxon historian whose
Chronica Sclavorum (Chronicle of the Slavs) is a chronicle of the northwestern Slavic tribes up to 1171. It was continued by Arnold of Lübeck. (
MGH Scriptores in usum scholarum) •
Otto of Sankt Blasien. Otto of Sankt Blasien (Saint Blaise) (died 1223) was a German chronicler who wrote his annals
Ad librum VII chronici Ottonis Frisingensis episcopi continuatae historiae appendix sive Continuatio Sanblasian covering the period of German history from 1146–1209. (
MGH Scriptores XX,
Runc. Vol II, p. 495,
Runc. Vol III, pp. 14–17n, 497) •
Friedrich von Hausen. Frederick von Hausen (1150–1190) was a German poet who accompanied Frederick I on the Third Crusade. He wrote five works based on his experiences and was one of the earliest of the
minnesingers. He died at the
battle of Philomelion of 1190. (
Runc. Vol III, p. 490n) •
Wolfram von Eschenbach. Wolfram von Eschenbach (1160/1180-c.1220) was a German knight and minnesinger whose work including
Parzival was an inspiration to Crusaders. •
Works from Tegernsee Abbey. Works from the German
Tegernsee Abbey include the
Expeditio Ierosolimitana, an epic poem about the First Crusade written by Bavarian monk
Metellus of Tegernsee (died after 1170) and songs by famed minnesinger
Walther von der Vogelweide (1170–1230). •
Albrecht von Johansdorf. Albrecht von Johansdorf (1180–1209) was a minnesinger who wrote five recruitment songs for the Third Crusade. (
Runc. Vol III, p. 490n). •
Caesarius of Heisterbach. Caesarius of Heisterbach (1180–1240) was a Cistercian prior who wrote
Dialogus miraculorum, a collection of miracle stories, popular because of the many stories related by returning Crusaders. (
Runc. Vol II, p. 494) •
Annales Claustroneoburgenses. Annales Claustroneoburgenses is an anonymous history of
Klosterneuburg Monastery covers 1075–1139, continued until 1455 by the
Annales Mellicenses. (
MGH Scriptores, IX,
Runc. Vol III, p. 494) •
Annales Admontenses. Annales Admontenses are the annals of
Admont Abbey, covering the period from Adam to 1139. It was continued by
Annales Garstense, covering 1181–1257 and by
Annales Mellicenses, covering 1123-1564. Topics covering include the 1170 earthquake in Syria and
Peter II Győr, a Hungarian bishop who participated in the Fifth Crusade. (
MGH Scriptores IX) • '''
Annales Colonienses Maximi.'
Annales Colonienses Maximi
, also known as Chronica regum Coloniensis
(Royal Chronicles of Cologne), is a German chronicle covering the years 576-1202, including an account of the Second Crusade and Christian cities damaged in 1170 by an earthquake. Chronica'' also includes an account of the
Children's Crusade of 1212. The work relies on Ekkehard of Aura for the period 1095-1106. (
MGH Scriptores rerum Germ. XVIII,
Runc. Vol III, pp. 139–141) •
Annales Marbacenses. Annales Marbacenses, or the Marbach Annals, are from the Marbach Abbey covering the period from the 7th century until the 1240s. The earlier portion is derived from the
Chronica sive Historia de duabus civitatibus of Otto of Freising and is combined with a later series of annals from
Neuberg Abbey. (
MGH Scriptores XVII,
Runc. Vol III, p. 495)
Norman and English works •
Gesta Normannorum Ducum. Gesta Normannorum Ducum (The Deeds of the Norman Dukes) was originally written by
William of Jumièges (c. 1100 – after 1070) covering the period through 1066, and later extended by Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni through the death of
Henry I of England in 1135. (
Runc. Vol II, pp. 349n, 495) •
Robert of Torigni. Robert of Torigni (c. 1110–1186), also referred to as Robert de Monte, was a Norman chronicler known for his
Chronique de Robert de Torigni and for being the last contributor to
Gesta Normannorum Ducum. His
Chronique includes a description of the damage done by the
1170 Syrian earthquake and of the death of
William II of Sicily. (
Rolls Series, RHF Vol XVIII,
Runc. Vol III, pp. 9n, 497) •
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. The
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is a collection of annals of English history from the birth of Christ until 1154, and includes material on English participation in the First Crusade, particularly that of
Edgar Ætheling. (
Rolls Series) • '''
Monitum in Subsequentia Carmina.'
Monitum in Subsequentia Carmina
includes Songs of the Crusades
and Songs of the Pilgrims'' written in 1188 by a member of the English royal court. They are found in
Henry Savile's Rerum Anglicarum Scriptores post Bedam præcipui and later in the collection
Poésies populaires latines antérieures au douzième siècle of
Edelestand du Méril. (
MPL 155 [Godefridum, Appendix II]) •
Baldwin of Forde. Baldwin of Forde (c. 1125 – 1190) was
Archbishop of Canterbury between 1185 and 1190 and accompanied Richard I of England on the
Third Crusade. He left a large number of works including
decretals concerning the church and English monarchy in the late 12th century. •
Joseph of Exeter. Joseph of Exeter (fl. 1180–1190) was an English poet who accompanied his uncle, Baldwin of Forde, archbishop of Canterbury, on the Third Crusade. His account
Antiocheis is mostly lost, but sections praising the warriors of Britain. including King Arthur, survive. He also wrote
Poemata in
De Josepho Exioniensi vel Iscano, edited by
Jean-Jules Jusserand. (
Runc. Vol I, pp. 332, 345) •
John of Salisbury. John of Salisbury (1115/1120–1180) was bishop of Chartres and historian who wrote
Historia Pontificalis quae Supersunt covering the years 1148–1152 while he was employed by pope
Eugene III. It is a description of Western Europe during and after the Second Crusade. (
MPL 199,
Runc. Vol II, p. 494) •
Chronicles of Ricardus Anglicus. Ricardus Anglicus (1161–1242), also known as Richard de Morins, was an English canon lawyer who began the Chronicles of Ricardus Anglicus (
Annales de Dunstoplia), the annals of
Dunstable Priory, in 1210. The material in the
annales prior to 1202 (when Ricardus became prior) is based on Ralph of Diceto's
Abbreviationes chronicorum and
Ymagines historiarum, and is extended to 1297 in
Annales Monastici. (
Runc. Vol III, p. 494) •
Ordinacio de predications Crucis in Anglia. (
Brevis)
Ordinacio de predications Crucis in Anglia is a short handbook for preaching the Crusade, written in the early 13th century, for English audiences. Attributed to a Philippe of Oxford. •
Chronicle of Mailros. The
Chronicle of Mailros (Chronicle of Melrose Abbey) is a history written by the monks of
Melrose Abbey covering universal history from 745–1270. The material before the founding of the abbey in 1140 is based on the
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and the
Chronica of Roger of Howden. The Chronicle includes the oldest known account of the sealing of
Magna Carta and records the
solar eclipse of 1 May 1185. (
Runc. Vol III, p. 495) •
Annals of Chester. The Annals of Chester are also known as the
Annales cestrienses or Chronicle of the abbey of St. Werburg at Chester. It is the work of anonymous monks of the Benedictine abbey of
St. Werburgh's, in Chester, and is a chronicle from the
Incarnation to 1297. •
Bartholomew of Cotton. Bartholomew of Cotton (died 1321/1322) was a Benedictine monk from
Cotton who was master of the cellar at the Friary of Norwich. He wrote his
Historia Anglicana providing the history of Saxon and Norman kings through 1292. His work was extended by the
Norwich Chronicle to 1298. (
Rolls Series,
Runc. Vol III, p. 495) •
Flores Historiarum. Flores Historiarum (Flowers of History) are a chronology associated with the
Abbey of St. Albans covering the years from Creation until 1235, completed by English chronicler
Roger of Wendover (died 1236) from a work begun by Roger of Howden. Continuations were later done by Matthew of Paris (mistakenly identified as
Matthew of Westminster) and
William Rishanger (died after 1307). The work completed by
Thomas Walsingham (died 1422) is known as the
St. Albans Chronicle. (
Rolls Series,
Runc. Vol III, p. 155n, 496) •
John Capgrave. John Capgrave (1393–1464) was an English historian, hagiographer and theologian. His
Chronicle of England is chronology of history from the time of Adam until 1416.
Other works referenced in histories. •
Secretum Secretorum. Secretum Secretorum is an encyclopedic treatise believed to have originated with a Greek source, translated at least by the 9th century. A Latin translation was done by
Philip of Tripoli c. 1232. (
EETS 276, Extra Series 66, 74) •
Roger Bacon. Roger Bacon (1219–1292) was an English philosopher who wrote
Opus Majus at the request of pope
Clement IV, covering a broad set of topics in natural science and philosophy. (
Runc. Vol III, pp. 340, 495) •
Guy of Warwick. Guy of Warwick was a legendary English hero whose exploits we the subject of romances popular beginning in the 13th century. He is reputed to have made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and is erroneously regarded as real in some 15th century chronicles. (
EETS, Extra Series 25, 26) Other works of interest include
Annales Romani, Historia ducum Venetorum, and those by
Geoffrey the Lombard. (
MGH Scriptores V,
Runc. Vol II, p. 494,
Runc. Vol III, p. 495). ==Byzantine, Frankish Greek and Cypriot sources on the Crusades==