Anna comnena and the crusades timeline
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Medieval Sourcebook:
Anna Comena:
The Alexiad:
On the Crusades
Among the sources for the First Crusade there is a history of the eastern emperor, Alexius, written by his daughter, Anna Comnena.
Selections from the Alexiad
See also Catholic Encyclopedia: Anna Comnena
1. The Arrival of the Crusaders
[Alexiad ]
. . . Moreover, Alexius was not yet, or very slightly, rested from his labors when he heard rumors of the arrival of innumerable Frankish armies. He feared the incursions of these people, for he had already experienced the savage fury of their attack, their fickleness of mind, and their readiness to approach anything with violence
And finally, he kept ever in mind this information, which was often repeated and most true that they were known to be always immoderately covetous of anything they strove after and to break very easily, for any reason whatsoever, treaties which they had made. Accordingly, he did not indulge in any rest, but made ready his forces in every way, so that when occasion should demand he would be ready for battle. For it was a matter greater and more terrible than famine which was then reported. Forsooth, the whole West, and as much of the land of barbarian peoples as lies beyond the Adriatic Sea up to the Pillars of Hercul
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As part of our Context for the First Crusade series, this post will look at the Byzantine Emperor, Alexius Comnenus. We will explore his reign and his role in the calling of the First Crusade.
Anna Comnena – A Source
Anna Comnena ( – ) was Alexius Comnemus’s eldest daughter. She compiled a biography entitled ‘The Alexiad’ which was essentially a history of the life and reign of her father. Throughout the work, Anna was concerned with preserving Alexius’ reputation. The biography was compiled over almost twenty years Anna began writing around and the work was completed around
As one might suppose, The Alexiad projects a heavily glorified image of Alexius. Anna presents him as the ideal emperor possessing all the necessary virtues of an emperor and she frames the portrayal of her father by drawing upon biblical and classical literary traditions.
Needless to say, The Alexiad needs to be treated with caution. Alexius ruled during a crucial period in Byzantine history. Anna wanted to portray her father as the emperor who saved the Empire from the brink of destruction. Often the dangers Alexius faced are exaggerated in the Alexiad and Alexius’ role in averting these disasters is overemphasized. Nevertheless, Anna’s Alexiad is an i