Ibn al-Athir was a prominent Arab historian and biographer born in 1160 in Mosul, Iraq. He is best known for his comprehensive historical work, "The Complete History," which chronicles events from the creation of the world to his own time. His writings provide valuable insights into the political and social conditions of the Islamic world during the Middle Ages. In addition to history, Ibn al-Athir contributed to the field of literature and geography. His works often emphasized the importance of critical sources and firsthand accounts, making him a significant figure in the development of historical methodology in the Islamic tradition.