Book IV Summary and Analysis

This book begins the war with the Normans in 1081 and 1082. Robert is occupying the continent and is about to conquer Dyrrachium. His troops were vast, but the ruler of the city, George Paleaologus, built bulwarks against him. Yet Robert had siege-engines. It became clear that Robert was aiming to rule the entire Roman Empire and wanted to take Dyrrachium to begin. Palaeologus keeps Alexius informed. Robert took Valona and Alexius was afraid because he had only a fraction of Robert's troops. He needed the Turkish Sultan's aid and the help of his Venetian allies. The Venetians promised to protect Dyrrachium and sent ships. Battle begins and the Venetians and Palaeologus fight together against Robert's men. They won and Robert withdrew.

Robert was not about to give up, however. He could not launch ships during the winter so he bides...