John Kinnamos

John Kinnamos, born in the year one thousand one hundred forty-three, was a prominent historian and writer of the Byzantine era. He is best known for his historical account that spans the years one thousand one hundred eighteen to one thousand one hundred seventy-six, effectively continuing the narrative established by Anna Komnene in her work, the Alexiad. Kinnamos's writings provide a detailed examination of the reigns of Emperors John II and Manuel I, culminating in the latter's ill-fated campaign against the Turks, which ended in defeat at the Battle of Myriokephalon.

Throughout his historical narrative, Kinnamos positions Manuel I as the central figure, emphasizing the perceived superiority of the Byzantine Empire over Western powers and opposing the pretensions of the papacy. His writing style is characterized by a straightforwardness reminiscent of a soldier, and he occasionally acknowledges his limitations in knowledge regarding certain events. This candid approach, combined with a well-organized structure, sets his work apart from the more ornate prose of his contemporaries.

Despite the abrupt ending of his history, it is widely believed that Kinnamos's original manuscript was more extensive, potentially covering events up to the death of Manuel I. Additionally, he is credited with authoring a book on one of the Angeli emperors, although this work is now considered lost, possibly along with the larger historical account he initially intended to produce. William Plate has recognized Kinnamos as one of the finest European historians of his time, underscoring the significance of his contributions to the understanding of Byzantine history.