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Anna Komnene.
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The Byzantine princess and historian Anna Comnena (1083-1148) was one of the major court figures of the Comneni period. She was the author of the "Alexiad," a history of her father's reign.Anna Comnen...
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In the following excerpt, Miller provides an overview of Anna's life: her family history, her education, and her importance as historian and historical geographer.
One of the differences betwee...
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In the following excerpt, Vasiliev examines the strong literary background of the Comneni imperial family.
The time of the Macedonian dynasty was marked by intense cultural activity in the field of le...
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In the following excerpt, Browning examines a document from the middle of the twelfth century which lends insight into Anna's quest for a philosophical system.
The Byzantinist has one advantage...
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In the following excerpt, Sewter considers various critical evaluations of Anna, as well as Anna's strengths, defects, and self awareness.
'The life of the Emperor Alexius has been delin...
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In the following essay, France considers the departure of one of Alexius's military leaders and compares Anna's rendition with other accounts of the event.
The departure of Tatikios, the...
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In the following excerpt, Dalven discusses Anna's intellectual pursuits and education, the factions in her father's court, and evaluates her importance as an historian.
Her Early Life at...
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In the following excerpt, France contends that the Crusades were of interest to Anna only to the extent that they affected her father, and that Anna's biased accounts are of limited value.
Anna...
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Anna Comnena
Critical Essay by William Miller
