The Chronicle of Ibn al-Athir for the Crusading Period from al-Kamil fi'l-Ta'rikh. Part 3

The Chronicle of Ibn al-Athir for the Crusading Period from al-Kamil fi'l-Ta'rikh. Part 3 is a remarkable historical source authored by Ibn al-Athir (1160-1233 AD). This work, originally titled al-Kamil fi'l-Ta'rikh, stands out for its comprehensive account of mediaeval history, nearly spanning the entire Islamic world up to the author's time of death.

Drawing from the sources available to him, Ibn al-Athir endeavoured to represent a broad geographical scope. His chronicle intricately weaves events from Iraq, Iran, and areas further East with those involving North Africa and Spain. As the Crusaders descended upon the Levant, their conflicts and the Muslim reaction took centre stage in his narrative.

This third part in particular highlights the internal power struggles of Saladin's Ayyubid successors, detailing their shifting alliances with the Crusader states. Special attention is given to the events surrounding the Damietta Crusade. All these episodes are depicted within a broader context, offering considerable insight into eastern Islamic affairs, the rise and fall of the Khwarazm Shahs, and the initial Mongol invasions.