Book VI Summary and Analysis

Book six explains the end of the war against the Normans in 1085 and the transition to a new series of events during the rule of Emperor Alexius. Bryennius, Robert's ally, was holding Castoria and Alexius wanted to drive him out. Through a clever plan of assaulting the city from two sides, Alexius takes the city. Bryennius swears an oath to never raise arms against Alexius for the rest of his days.

Anna takes a brief detour to discuss the suppression of the Paulicians, a group of heretical quasi-Manicheans. Alexius saw them as a blemish on his conquered lands. Alexius lured them, group by group, to be examined by his men, and then they were captured, and their property confiscated. Some repented and were allowed a Christian baptism. Eventually he released many of them.

Afterwards, Alexius returned to Constantinople. On...