Matthew Paris is a medieval English chronicler who lived during the 13th century. His name is pronounced /ˈmæθjuː ˈpærɪs/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "Mat", is pronounced like "mat" as in a place to sleep. The second syllable, "thew", is pronounced like "thoo" as in the word "threw". The third syllable, "Par", is pronounced like "par" as in the word "parrot". The fourth syllable, "is", is pronounced like "iz" as in the word "hers".
Matthew Paris was a prominent medieval English chronicler, historian, and Benedictine monk, known for his invaluable contributions to the recording and documentation of historical events in 13th-century England. Born around 1200 AD, Paris spent most of his life at the Benedictine monastery of St. Albans, where he authored a substantial body of work that provided significant insights into the political, social, and religious aspects of his time.
As a chronicler, Matthew Paris meticulously recorded key political events, including royal reigns, battles, and diplomatic negotiations. His works, most notably the "Chronica Majora" and the "Historia Anglorum," are renowned for their detailed descriptions, precise dates, and rich illustrations, making them invaluable historical resources even today. Paris's emphasis on factual accuracy and eye for detail set him apart as one of the most reliable chroniclers of his era.
Not limited to politics, Paris also documented ecclesiastical affairs, including the lives of saints and key religious events. Additionally, he passionately pursued cartography, creating maps that included areas beyond Britain, reflecting his wider understanding of the world. His maps, such as the "Anglia, Scotia, et Hibernia" and the "Mappa Mundi," were of great historical and geographical importance, providing valuable insights into medieval European perceptions of the world.
Overall, Matthew Paris's tireless dedication to chronicling and his contributions to historical writing and cartography have left an indelible mark on our understanding of medieval England, making him a celebrated and respected figure in the field of medieval history.
The word "Matthew Paris" does not have an etymology itself. However, each part of the name has origins:
- "Matthew" is derived from the Hebrew name "Mattithyah" or "Mātityāh", meaning "gift of Yahweh" or "gift of God". It is a common English given name derived from the biblical figure Matthew, one of the twelve apostles and the author of the Gospel of Matthew.
- "Paris" is derived from the French name for the capital city of France. It originally comes from the Latin name "Lutetia Parisiorum", which later became just "Paris" over time. The name "Paris" itself has uncertain origins, but it is commonly believed to be a Gaulish (Celtic) word meaning "the people of the working man", "the craftsmen", or "the artisans".