Anna Komnene, commonly spelled as Anna Comnena, was born December 1, 1083--Died 1153 (age 70). Anna was the Byzantine daughter of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos and his wife Irene Doukaina. Anna was a christian and was very educated.  She studied history, philosophy, theology, mathematics, and medicine. She was most known for her attempt to usurp (take position of power) her brother, and her book the Alexiad - an account of her fathers life and reign.

Anna Komnene

In Anna's book The alexiad she explains her affection for her parents. Anna was the youngest of seven children. Her siblings were Maria, John ii, Andronikos, isaac, eudokia, and theodora. At birth, Anna was betrothed to Constantine Doukas, until her brother was born. Scholars have pointed out that the betrothal was to show her fathers legitimacy after usurping the throne. In 1097, anna's parents married her off to ceasar nikephoros bryennios. Nikephoros was a historian and a soldier. The couple had six known children: Eirene, maria, alexios, john, andronikos, and constantine.

Family & Marriage

Anna's Mother and Father