Record: the document says itLens: our readingDisputed: argued, often by a hostile witness
Year: 1165 · Places: Europe
SUMMARYThe Letter of Prester John, c. 1165 (Nov 11, 2026; Prester John line)
RECORDa letter signed "John, Christian Sovereign and Lord of Lords," addressed to Byzantine emperor Manuel I Komnenos, circulates from about 1165 in Latin and is translated into many languages, Hebrew included; it describes a realm of wonders over the "Three Indias," from Persia to China, and keeps growing in copies for centuries (Wikipedia, "Prester John"; "Letter of Prester John")
DISPUTEDmost scholars call it a European forgery; no court has been found that sent it
LENSa forgery still tells you what Europe was hungry to find: a Christian priest-king beyond the known world, rich, ancient and holy.