Byzantine history in the 11th century, specifically about my characters.
Birth and Early Expectations Anna Comnena was the first child of the Eastern Roman emperor, Alexios I Comnenus, born Dec. 1st, 1083 and named after Alexios’s mother, the determined Anna Dalassena. Her father soon betrothed her to Constantine Ducas, the son of a prior emperor, Michael VII Ducas. Young Constantine’s mother had helped Alexios gain …
Isaac Comnenus seized the Eastern Roman Empire’s throne in 1057 but only ruled for just over two years. Even so, he differed in several areas from the empire’s other rulers.
Alexios I could not have anticipated this result when he signed his agreement with Venice in 1082. Guiscard’s menace was immediate and he had to address it, however he could manage it. Still, if Alexios’ understanding of economics had been better, he might have agreed to the concessions for a period of time, perhaps 10-20 years, limiting its impact on both the Byzantines and Venetians.
We visited the Pantokrator Church & Monastery (now the Zeyrek Mosque) on a rainy day in March. Empress Irene, the wife of John II Comnenus, began the building of the monastery and church on a hill close to the Blachernae Palace. Her husband finished it after her death in 1134. Irene was a Hungarian princess, and both husband and wife are Orthodox saints.
Three great Byzantine historians – Michael Psellos, Michael Attaleiates, and John Skylitzes
The Battle of Manzikert, like the Battle of Hastings fought five years earlier, began momentous changes to its country. This book (https://www.amazon.com/Road-Manzikert-Byzantine-Islamic-527-1071/dp/1848842155) covers a wide swathe of Byzantine military history – from Justinian’s wars, to early battles between the Byzantines and Islamic armies, to Manzikert in 1071. The epilogue briefly summarizes the years following Manzikert …
Review: The Road to Manzikert by Brian Todd Carey Read More »
These two distant civilizations impacted each other in important ways in the 11th century. They also fought pivotal battles whose consequences are felt even today.
1. You will not receive more than one email from me each month.
2. It may be contentious, but I may discuss Byzantine politics from time to time. Amateurish modern politics will never be discussed.
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