Book III Summary and Analysis

As Alexius ascends to the throne, problems begin to arise with the Ducas family. Queen Maria Ducas and her son Constantine continue to live in the imperial palace. Many were suspicious of Maria staying in the palace and some said that Alexius would make her his wife. John Ducas wanted to drive Maria out of the palace to remove suspicion. It was not clear who the Empress would be an Alexius was crowned Emperor without an Empress by Patriarch Cosmas. Alexius eventually decides to make his wife Irene Empress.

Alexius and Irene were a beautiful couple but Irene was only a girl, not yet sixteen. She was the daughter of Andronicus, Caesar's eldest son. Anna goes on to praise her mother. Nicephorus is next made Caesar according to their agreement, but Isaac should get a higher office. Since there...