Book XV Summary and Analysis

Book XV covers Alexius's last expeditions, the Bogomils and Alexius's death which all occur between 1116 and 1118. The book opens with new threats from the Turks, particularly from Sultan Soliman who wanted to take land in Asia. Alexius knew his plan and built up his forces. The sorts of preparations and wrangling that are characteristic of the other battles in the entire book are reported here. Eventually the Turks come upon Alexius's troops directly while the Empress is with him, but she weathers her fear with grace. Alexius and his men rush into battle preparations and posted guards; he also consoled the Empress.

Eventually battle comes and Alexius sends forth his troops to attack and achieved several victories. Alexius invented some new battle tactics using phalanxes that greatly impressed Anna. In one of the battles, Anna's brother Andronicus Porphyrogenitus was...