Anna Komnene

Byzantine princess and pioneering female historian of the medieval era

Anna Komnene (1083–1153 CE), daughter of Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, authored the Alexiad, a 15-volume epic chronicling her father’s reign and the First Crusade. As one of the first female historians, she combined political insight with literary skill, offering a rare perspective on Byzantine diplomacy and warfare. Her work preserved details about medical practices, technology, and cultural exchanges between Byzantium and Europe.

Despite societal constraints on women, Anna studied philosophy, astronomy, and medicine. The Alexiad remains a critical source for medieval historians. Explore her life here. Her determination to document history challenged gender norms and enriched our understanding of the Byzantine Empire.