Polychronicon Ranulphi Higden, monachi Cestrensis

This historical work provides a unique perspective on medieval scholarship and is crucial for understanding contemporary English history through its extensive chronicles.

The Polychronicon Ranulphi Higden, monachi Cestrensis is a significant historical work authored by Ranulf Higden, a 14th-century monk. This chronicle serves as a vital source for understanding how scholars of that era perceived world history and geography. Written in Latin, it exists in over a hundred manuscripts, highlighting its widespread influence and popularity. Higden began this monumental task around 1327 and continued to expand it until his passing in 1364, with subsequent contributions from other monastic scholars, notably John Malvern of Worcester.

Published in nine volumes between 1865 and 1886, the Polychronicon not only chronicles historical events but also reflects the contemporary English society of Higden's time. The text includes a translation by John Trevisa, which further broadened its reach and accessibility. The fourth volume specifically covers the latter part of Book 3, which delves into the Hellenistic period, and transitions into Book 4, extending through the first century CE. This comprehensive approach provides a panoramic view of history from a medieval perspective.

The Polychronicon is particularly valuable for historians and scholars interested in medieval thought and the evolution of historical writing. It offers insights into how knowledge was compiled and understood during the fourteenth century, making it an essential reference for those studying English history and geography of that period.