Background
He was born in Orestias, Macedonia, towards the middle of the 11th century. He was the son of another Nicephorus Bryennius, a famous general who usurped the throne in 1071 but was deposed ten years later by Alexius.
Nikephoros Bryennios
He was born in Orestias, Macedonia, towards the middle of the 11th century. He was the son of another Nicephorus Bryennius, a famous general who usurped the throne in 1071 but was deposed ten years later by Alexius.
The young Bryennius became the personal confidant of Alexius, and was given the titles of "Caesar" and "supreme commander." He also won the hand of Anna Comnena, daughter of Alexius. He defended Constantinople against Godfrey de Bouillon during the First Crusade, and distinguished himself in the war between Alexius and Bohemund, prince of Antioch, negotiating the peace of 1108. In 1118 he was involved in a plot to overthrow John, Alexius' son and successor, but either because of alleged cowardice or perhaps an unwillingness to betray his benefactor's son, the plot proved abortive, and he was banished to Oenoe on the Black Sea. He was later reinstated and went to Antioch, Syria, in 1137 to aid in the war against the Crusaders, but ill health forced him to return to Constantinople, where he died shortly after. Bryennius also wrote a history of the period, translated as Materials, covering approximately the years 1057 to 1081. The work is considered one of the best histories of its time. It is written in a clear narrative style, reveals a good sense of judgment, and profits from the author's ability to draw on much eye-witness material.