Open Secrets in Matthew of Edessa’s Chronicle

Christopher MacEvitt observes a peculiar pattern underlying Matthew’s Chronicle:

The years covered in each part reflected Matthew’s interest in numerological approaches to the Apocalypse. The first portion covers the years 952 to 1052, the second from 1053 to 1102, and the third from 1102 to 1129, thus each portion covers roughly half the period of time of the previous section.

He adds: 

Matthew himself noted the quickening chronological pulse of the world, acknowledging that "we also have become aware of time passing by very quickly, showing us change, decay, and disappearance of what exists and revealing to us the instability of mankind on earth."