The language the “Annals” were written in is very archaic language, difficult to understand, even then, except by the most learned. The Annals detail the reigns, deaths, genealogies, etc. of the high-kings of Ireland, the provincial kings, chiefs, and heads of distinguished families, men of science, historians, poets, etc., with dates given as accurately as the Masters are able to give them. They record the demise and succession of saints, abbots, bishops, and ecclesiastical dignitaries. They tell of the foundation and occasionally the overthrow of countless churches, castles, abbeys, convents, and religious institutions. They give meager details of battles, murders, tribal wars, wars with the foreigners, battles with Norsemen, Normans, and English, and political changes. Sometimes they quote ancient verses in corroboration of the facts they mention, but none are quoted prior to the third century.