Book XIV Summary and Analysis

Book XIV covers various problems with the Turks, Franks, Comans and Manicheans. The peace with Bohemund was a success but Alexius had to focus on the Franks for some time before he went home. There are some skirmishes with the Turks and Bohemund dies. His nephew Tancred keeps a hold of Antioch afterward. Alexius felt that the Franks had broken their oath. At the same time, Alexius sent Roman armies to fight the Turks. Tancred proved difficult to handle. Alexius was furious and wanted to march against Tancred but his advisers dissuaded him. Alexius then tried other tactics to regain control over Antioch and engaged in battles with Baldunius and the Butumites.

Things get difficult for Alexius. He finds out that the Pisans, Genoans and Lombards are going to use their ships to lay waste to the sea-board. Alexius...