Book XIII Summary and Analysis

The first part of Book XIII covers Aaron's conspiracy against Alexius. Through a complex series of event, Alexius captures Aaron's servant Strategius who admits to Alexius when pressed that Aaron sent him to kill Strategus. The conspiracy was quashed, delaying Alexius only five days. Alexius then makes for Thessalonic and made plans to siege Dyrrachium. The siege took some time but Alexius blockaded Dyrrachium's food supplies and the barbarian army suffered disease and famine. Anna reports the details of the Siege and Alexius's use of a battering ram and fire.

With Dyrrachium repossessed, Alexius moves towards Diabolis to engage in various activities in the mainland. He is after Bohemund but wanted to defeat him without engaging in direct battle. He tries to woo Bohemund's friends, allies and servants, hoping to woo them and incur Bohemund's anger against them, forcing...