Final answer:
There are good English translations of Latin and Arabic texts of history that shed light on 'The Song of Roland' and the Battle at Roncevaux. The number of surviving copies of original texts varies, and the originals like the 'Kitab Rujar' are often lost, with only later versions available.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we read up more on the Latin and Arabic texts of history, we seek to understand the historical context in which 'The Song of Roland' was created and the insights these texts provide about the Battle at Roncevaux. Unfortunately, exact copies of certain key texts, such as Urban's speech in Clermont, are lost, with later versions incorporating various interpretations and ideas. The Kitab Rujar, by the geographer Muhammad al-Idrisi, produced at the court of Norman King Roger II, is an example of a significant work from that era, though the original has been lost.
Regarding translations, there are indeed good English translations of many historical texts of the period, enabling modern readers to access these historical works. While not all texts focus extensively on the Battle at Roncevaux, this pivotal event is referenced in various works, with each offering different perspectives based on the cultural and political lens of the author.
In terms of surviving copies of original texts, the exact number can vary, with some texts only existing in fragmentary form. The contents of the texts are varied, including not only history but also treatises on several disciplines. These treatises reflect a conglomeration of knowledge and worldviews prevalent at the time, often blending fact with lore.