Chronicon Edessenum

An anonymous Syriac chronicle of events in Edessa from the time of its first king in 133/2 b.c. until a.d. 540. Its notices are derived from contemporary records in the city's archives and from works such as the Chronicle of Joshua the Stylite. There are only a few entries for the period prior to the Flood of Edessa in a.d. 201/2. The account of the flood, and of King Abgar's measures to prevent a repetition of the disaster, is given a disproportionate amount of attention, but supplies incidental information about the city's early history. Written from a basically orthodox standpoint, the majority of the entries concern the bishops of Edessa and their activities, though ecclesiastical matters of wider significance are noted. The chronicle was compiled about a.d. 550.