What is the historical basis for the legend of Prester John?

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The legend of Prester John can be traced back to the historical Christianities of Ethiopia and India, where there were ancient Christian communities that were largely disconnected from the Western church. Europeans, particularly during the Crusades, heard accounts of these far-off Christian kingdoms and began to create a legend around them, which eventually took on the name of Prester John. Muslim stories, travelers from the East, and a story brought by the Mongols have all been suggested as possible influences on the legend, but there is little historical evidence to support these claims.

What Is the Historical Basis for the Legend of Prester