Magnus of Reichersberg (died 12 April 1195[1]) was an Augustinian canon and historian who worked at Reichersberg Abbey from the 1160s.[2]
He wrote a Latin chronicle of Reichersberg covering the years 1167–1195. This was a continuation of the annals of Gerhoh of Reichersberg, whose political and ecclesiastical ideas are reflected in Magnus' work.[2] Although he was a supporter of Pope Alexander III, he was not ill-disposed to the Emperor Frederick I, Alexander's chief rival.[3] He is an important source for Frederick's participation in the Third Crusade (1189–1190). He incorporated into his chronicle the diary of Tageno, a copy of which was sent to him from the Holy Land; a letter from Bishop Diepold of Passau; an anonymous letter to the master of the Knights Hospitaller in Italy, Archembald, about the battle of Hattin; and a letter by Terricus, preceptor of the Knights Templar, and a survivor of Hattin. He also made use of an early draft of the History of the Expedition of the Emperor Frederick.[4]
Continuations added to his chronicle after his death bring it down to 1279.[2] The first continuator records Magnus' date of death.[4]