The clash of cultures, peoples, and religions in the Near East is dramatically portrayed in this primary source of major importance. Matthew of Edessa, an Armenian monk, was eyewitness to the leading events of the period, such as the first appearance of the Turks in the Near East, the campaigns of the early Crusaders, and the massive struggle for domination that characterized relations between Byzantium, the Latin West, the Arabs, and the Turks. Matthew was also aware of the position of other nations, such as the Armenians, Georgians, and Syrians. Upon the death of Matthew the narration was continued by another Armenian monk, Gregory the Priest. As an Armenian Christian, Matthew of Edessa welcomes the arrival of the Crusaders from the West, seeing in them the saviors of the local populations from the domination of imperial Constantinople on the one hand, and the death and destruction brought about by the Turkish invasions on the other. In the course of events, however, Matthew finds that all peoples encompass good and evil, arrogance and compassion, understanding and intolerance. The fall of the Armenian kingdoms of Ani and Vaspurakan, the capture of Jerusalem by the Crusaders, and the decisive battle between East and West at Mantskert (Manzikert) are some of the striking events vividly portrayed by this medieval chronicler, who makes every effort to provide an accurate and impartial account for the benefit of posterity.