Acknowledgments Preface Introduction Behind the narrative poetics of Anna Komnene’s Alexiad 1. Techne historike Discursive frame of the Alexiad Political debate — Anna Komnene and John Zonaras 2. IMAGE OF THE IDEAL RULER Refuting the invective Shaping the new Iliad In search of a paradigm — between a legendary hero and a legendary emperor 3. ANNA KOMNENE’S =?e??a?t?????aŸ Preponderance of the Origin The story of the Imperial Birth — essence of Anna’s political agenda Sprout from the Porphyra Likeness to her father Connection to the imperial branch of the Doukai Connection with the parents 4. THE PAIN OF NIOBE AND CRY OF ELECTRA Anna’s Iliad of woes Beloved husband Setting of the Sun Allegories of the emperor’s illness 5. DOUKAI — CONSTRUCTION OF AN ALTERNATIVE DISCOURSE The rise of the Komnenoi and the problem of apostasia The Doukai in the Alexiad DRAMATIS PERSONAE Caesar John Doukas George Palaiologos John and Michael Doukas Constantine Doukas Maria of Alania Eirene Doukaina 6. KOMNENIAN PHILIA Mother of the Komnenoi How a hero is made Where two Annas meet DOULOS and DESPOTES A story without an ending Orestes and Pylades ISAAC KOMNENOS — ?p??f???? ßas???a The abstruse story of Adrian Komnenos Conspiracy of John Komnenos A thrice-beloved son Timeframe of the Alexiad Behind Anna’s psogos John in the episode of the birth of the Porphyrogennetoi The Birth of the Emperor’s Twins In search of a lost hero 7. CONCLUSION BIBLIOGRAPHY PRIMARY SOURCES SECONDARY SOURCES INDEX