The construction of a primary source. The creation ofItinerarium Peregrinorum 1

The so-called “Itinerarium Peregrinorum 1”, so named by Professor Hans E. Mayer in his 1962 study, is a contemporary Latin Christian record of events leading up to the Third Crusade (1189-1192) and covering the first fifteen months of hostilities. It appears to be a medley of sources forming a loose narrative of events in the kingdom of Jerusalem between May 1187 and November 1190. It includes martyrdom accounts, letters, and eye-witness material. Yet comparison to other contemporary sources reveals that the author adapted his narrative to present a particular message to his readers. This article considers for what purpose IP 1 was compiled.