Question

In one paragraph, compare and contrast the similarities and differences found in the two accounts, and explain which account is more reliable. Use reasons and evidence from the readings to support your claim.

Answer 1

Both accounts mention those who tried to take refuge in the Tower of David, but Fulcher claims all were killed, while al-Athir states they surrendered and were spared. The accounts both claim that all those in the Temple of Solomon were killed, but Fulcher says 10,000 were killed, while al-Athir claims 70,000 died. Fulcher's account is likely more reliable because he was a witness to the event, and his account was written just a few years after it happened, while al-Athir wrote his account more than one hundred years after the event.

Answer 2

The 2 accounts both state people taking refuge within the tower but, the Catholic said they were all killed unlike the Muslim's account of few being spared. The Catholic point of view said 10K people were killed while the Muslim point of view said 70K dead. The Catholic point of view will be more accurate as to the main fact that the writer was there during the event unlike the Muslim account 1 century later.