List of sources for the Crusades

The list of sources for the Crusades provides those contemporaneous written accounts and other artifacts of the Crusades covering the period from the Council of Clermont in 1095 until the fall of Acre in 1291. These sources include chronicles, personal accounts, official documents and archaeological findings. As such, these lists provide the medieval historiography of the Crusades.

A number of 17th through 19th century historians published numerous collections of original sources of the Crusades. These include ''Recueil des historiens des croisades'' (RHC), ''Monumenta Germaniae Historica'' (MGH), ''Revue de l'Orient Latin/Archives de l’Orient Latin'' (ROL/AOL) and the Rolls Series. Other collections are of interest to the Crusader period include ''Recueil des historiens des Gaules et de la France'' (RHF), ''Rerum Italicarum scriptores'' (RISc), ''Patrologia Latina'' (MPL), '' Patrologia Graeco-Latina'' (MPG), '' Patrologia Orientalis'' (PO), ''Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium'' (CSCO) and Palestine Pilgrims' Text Society (PPTS).

Modern reference material to these sources include Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium, Dictionary of National Biography, Neue Deutsche Biographie, Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages, Catholic Encyclopedia, Encyclopedia of the Medieval Chronicle, ''Encyclopædia Iranica,'' '' Encyclopædia Islamica'' and ''Encyclopaedia of Islam''. Contemporary histories include the three-volume '' A History of the Crusades'' (1951–1954) by Steven Runciman; the Wisconsin collaborative study ''A'' ''History of the Crusades'' (1969–1989) edited by Kenneth M. Setton, particularly the Select Bibliography by Hans E. Mayer; Fordham University's ''Internet Medieval Sourcebook''; and ''The Crusades: An Encyclopedia,'' edited by Alan V. Murray.

Principal Western sources for the history of the Crusades

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. Rubenstein, Jay (2005).
What is the Gesta Francorum, and who was Peter Tudebode?
. ''Revue Mabillon''. 16: 179–204.

* ''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 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)Briquet, Apolin (1858). “ Jean Besly”. In ''Nouvelle Biographie Générale'', 5. pp. 794-796.
* ''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 (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 (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 (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 (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, 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 (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 (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 (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 Franco''s (''Ges. D.''), compiled by French historian Jacques Bongars (1554–1612).Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). Jacques Bongars. ''Encyclopædia Britannica''. 4 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 204. 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.

* 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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (1080–1166) was a Genoese admiral and historian who wrote ''De 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 Reinhold Röhricht wrote ''Historia Regni Hierosolymitani'' that 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 (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 (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 (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)
* ''Præfatio'' to Tudebode's ''Historia''. ''Joannis Besly Pictonis Præfatio'' is the preface by French historian Jean Besly (1572–1644) to Peter Tudebode's ''Historia de Hierosolymitano itinere'', reproduced in ''Historiens occidentaux''.  Besly challenged the version of ''Gesta Francorum'' in the collection of Crusader works known as ''Gesta Dei per Francos''.  ( RHC Oc., Volume 3, Preface, 3.I, 3.II, ''Ges. D.'', MPL 155 odefridum, Appendix II
* 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 odefridum, 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)
* ''Historia Nicaena vel Antiochena''. The anonymous work ''Historia Nicaena vel Antiochena'' covers the period from before the Council of Clermont through the capture of Baldwin II of Jerusalem in 1123, covering all of the rulers of the kingdom up to that point. The work was commissioned by Baldwin III of Jerusalem and written in 1146. ( RHC Oc., Volume 5.IV, Runc. Vol I, p. 346)
* 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)Riley-Smith, Jonathan, ''The First Crusaders, 1095-1131'', Cambridge University Press, London, 1997
* ''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 Militi''a. ''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 '' chanson 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 (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.
* ''Chronicle of Saint-Pierre-le-Vif of Sens. Chronicon Sancti Petri Vivi Senonensis'' is an anonymous Latin chronicle written at the Abbey of Saint-Pierre-le-Vif between about 1100 and 1125 with continuations added into the 13th century.
* 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.''
* ''Histoire littéraire de la France''. '' Histoire littéraire de la France'' is a collection of the literature of France in 46 volumes, begun in 1733. Of interest to the Crusades is Tome VIII, edited by French Benedictine monk Antoine Rivetde La Grange (1683–1749), known as Dom Rivet. This volume includes biographies of Godfrey of Bouillon, Raymond of Aguilers and Peter Tudebode.
Miscellaneous works

Other chronicles cited in the histories include Annals of Vendôme (''Chronicon Vindocinense seu de Aquaria''), covering 768–1347, and ''Chronique de Saint-Maixent,'' covering 741–1140. ( Runc. Vol II, p. 494)

Hebrew accounts of the First Crusade

The Rhineland massacres of 1096 are the subject of three Hebrew chronicles.

* 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)Riley-Smith, Jonathan, ''The First Crusaders, 1095-1131'', Cambridge University Press, London, 1997
* Lisiard of Tours. Lisiard of Tours wrote his ''Historiae Hierosolimitanae Secunda Pars'' in 1168, covering the history of Jerusalem from 1099–1129. Some of the earlier material may be taken from Bartolf of Nangis. ( RHC Oc., Vol 3.VII, Runc. Vol I, pp. 329, 346)
* ''Passiones Sancti Thiemonis.'' The anonymous ''Passiones Sancti Thiemonis'' (Martyrdom of Bishop Thiemo) tells of the martyrdom of Thiemo, archbishop of Salzburg. In 1101, Thiemo joined William IX of Aquitaine in the Crusade of 1101. His martyrdom is described as his torture and death by pulling the intestines out of his body with a spindle. Otto of Freising repeated the story in his ''Historia de duabus civitatibus''. ( RHC Oc., Volume 5.VI, Runc. Vol II, pp. 29, 495)
* ''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)
* Accounts of the Norwegian Crusade. ''Ágrip af Nóregskonungasögum'' is an anonymous history of the kings of Norway from 860-1136, written in 1190. The work includes an account of Sigurd the Crusader and the Norwegian Crusade of 1107–1111. A similar account is found in ''Sigurðar saga jórsalafara ok bræðra hans''. The Knýtlinga saga concerning the Danish kings since the 10th century is also of interest. ( Runc. Vol II, pp. 93n, 497)
* ''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)
* ''Privilegium Pro Ecclesia Bethlehemitica''. ''Privilegium Pro Ecclesia Bethlehemitica'' is the charter of Baldwin I of Jerusalem elevating Bethlehem from a priory to an episcopal see in the year 1110, as recounted by William of Tyre and reprinted in ''Patrologia Latina''. ( MPL 155 odefridum, Appendix II
* 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 s 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)
* Saladin Tithe. The Saladin tithe of 1188 was a tax levied by Henry II of England to support the conduct of the Third Crusade. The tithe was issued by charter and reported in ''Gesta Regis Ricardi'' and Roger of Wendover's ''Flores Historiarum.'' The tithe was not without controversy, with attempted embezzlement by a Templar named Gilbert of Hoxton and William the Lion's refusal to collect. ( Runc. Vol III, pp. 6n, 8)
* 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 Phillip 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 1132–1309. 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.Translations and reprints from the original sources of European history
Dept. of History, University of Pennsylvania.
* 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 pera, 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)
* ''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 odefridum, 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 the Prophet 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

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