Anna introduces her father by stating he was part of the Roman Empire. A man who was remarkable and thrived off of danger. He was to join Emperor Diogenes on the extremely arduous campaign he was conducting against the Persians. Alexius very anxious to join was denied because his mother had just lost her first born Manuel. Manuel was admired as he did many great achievements for their country. Later, Alexius did have an opportunity for battle served as lieutenant under the Emperor Michael Ducas against Roussel of Bailleul. She writes on how great and clever of a leader her father was and picked great men to fight against the barbarians.