Gesta Regum Anglorum facts for kids
Gesta Regum Anglorum (which means "Deeds of the Kings of the English" in Latin) is a very old history book from the early 1100s. It was written by a monk named William of Malmesbury. This book tells the stories of the kings of England.
This book is like a partner to another one William wrote called Gesta Pontificum Anglorum (Deeds of the English Bishops). Later, he wrote Historia Novella, which continued the history for a few more years. Some parts of Gesta Regum Anglorum that talk about the First Crusade got their information from another book called Gesta Francorum Iherusalem peregrinantium, written by Fulcher of Chartres.
Contents
What is the Gesta Regum Anglorum?
The Gesta Regum Anglorum is a very important historical record. It covers the history of England from the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons in the 5th century all the way up to William of Malmesbury's own time in the early 12th century. William wanted to create a complete history of the English kings, showing their actions and how they shaped the country.
Who was William of Malmesbury?
William of Malmesbury was a famous English historian who lived from about 1095 to 1143. He was a monk at Malmesbury Abbey in Wiltshire, England. He spent much of his life studying and writing. William was known for trying to be accurate and for using many different sources for his information. He is considered one of the most important English historians of the Middle Ages.
Why was this book important?
The Gesta Regum Anglorum is important because it gives us a lot of information about early English history. William of Malmesbury was very careful in his research. He used old documents, other historical writings, and even stories passed down by word of mouth. His book helps us understand what life was like and what happened during the time of the Anglo-Saxon kings and the early Norman kings after the Norman Conquest.
How was the book written?
William wrote his book in Latin, which was the common language for educated people and scholars in Europe during the Middle Ages. He divided the book into several parts, each covering a different period of history. He tried to tell the story of each king, including their battles, their laws, and important events during their rule.
What topics does it cover?
The book covers many different topics related to the kings and their reigns:
- Battles and Wars: Descriptions of important conflicts, like the Battle of Hastings.
- Politics and Government: How kings ruled and made decisions.
- Religion: The role of the Church and important religious figures.
- Daily Life: Sometimes, William includes details about how people lived.
William also included stories and legends, but he often tried to tell readers if he wasn't sure about a fact. This shows he was trying to be a careful historian.
Legacy of the Gesta Regum Anglorum
William of Malmesbury's Gesta Regum Anglorum became a very popular and widely read book in its time. Many later historians used it as a source for their own writings. It helped shape how people understood English history for centuries. Today, it is still a valuable resource for historians and students who want to learn about the early history of England.
See also
- Gesta Regum Anglorum para niños (This article in Spanish for kids)
