The Crusades in the Writings of Matthew Paris: A Critical Study of His Book "The Great History"

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of Social Studies – Faculty of Arts – University of Hafr Al-Batin, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

This study investigates the English historian Matthew Paris and his historiographical treatment of the Crusades, with a particular focus on the period concurrent with his life (634 AH / 1236 CE to 658 AH / 1259 CE). The primary objective is to elucidate the perspective of the "European mindset" — or the opposing side — regarding Crusader events, particularly through the lens of Matthew Paris, who chronicled these conflicts despite neither participating in them nor traveling to the Islamic East. Employing descriptive and analytical methodologies, the research compiles data from primary sources and subsequently subjects them to comparative analysis, critical evaluation, and interpretive examination .Key findings reveal that Matthew Paris is frequently criticized for his pronounced partiality toward his fellow Crusaders. This bias significantly compromises his objectivity and neutrality in narrating events: he systematically diminishes Muslim victories while extolling the bravery of his compatriots, even in defeat. Furthermore, he consistently interprets historical occurrences through a religious framework, reflecting his ecclesiastical vocation more than the dispassionate approach expected of a historian. Consequently, while his work serves As a documentary record, it cannot be considered an authoritative source on Crusader campaigns in the Islamic world.

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مجلة البحث العلمي في الآداب
Volume 26, Issue 4
April 2025
Pages 156-190

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