Definition
A chronicle is a detailed and continuous record of historical events in order of their occurrence. It is often written by a witness or compiler of the events and provides a sequential account, which can include political events, social milestones, and cultural achievements. Chronicles are valuable for historians and researchers as primary sources that offer insights into the period in which they were written, as well as the events they describe.
Etymology and Origin
The term chronicle derives from the Middle English cronicle, which comes from Anglo-Norman cronicle, itself borrowed from the Latin chronica, which is from the Greek chronika, meaning “annals”. The root word chronos in Greek signifies “time”, indicating the chronological nature of a chronicle’s narrative. Chronicles have been a part of historical recording since ancient times, serving as a method to document and preserve the flow of events and the progression of time for future generations.
