About the Author

Anna Komnene (1 December 1083 - 1153), commonly latinized as Anna Comnena, was a Byzantine princess, scholar, physician, hospital administrator, and historian. She was the daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos and his wife Irene Doukaina. She is best known for her attempt to usurp her brother, John II Komnenos, and for her work The Alexiad, an account of her father's reign. At birth, Anna was betrothed to Constantine Doukas, and she grew up in his mother's household. She was well-educated in Greek literature and history, philosophy, theology, mathematics, and medicine." Anna and Constantine were next in line to the throne until Anna's younger brother, John II Komnenos, became the heir in 1092. Constantine died around 1094, and Anna married Nikephoros Bryennios in 1097. The two had several children before Nikephoros' death around 1136. Following her father's death in 1118, Anna and her mother attempted to usurp John II Komnenos. Her husband refused to cooperate with them, and the usurpation failed. As a result, John exiled Anna to the Kecharitomene monastery, where she spent the rest of her life. In confinement there, she wrote The Alexiad. She died sometime in the 1150s; the exact date is unknown.