Accepted both views on the causes of the liquid exuding from the body of Isaakios 1 Komnenos after his death, an event which caused much debate among the people
An eye-witness of what he describes, he recorded everything truthfully so that future generations may preserve the memory of this great emperor (Nikephoros 3) and his deeds, and emulate him
Attaleiates: History 322.10-19 / 229.17-24
Assures his readers of Nikephoros 3's integrity, for, as a judge for many years, having handled various cases involving the military, citizens and the leadership, he never found him accused of either a small or a great offence
οὐδενὶ δικαστηρίῳ τοῦτον εὗρον ἁλώσιμον. Attaleiates: History 256.1-8 / 184.17-23
Assures his readers that his intention (while describing his disagreement with Romanos 4 on the policy to follow on campaign) is certainly not to boast about himself nor to seek praise, insisting that he has no virtue whatsoever
Attributes the ability of Nikephoros 3 Botaneiates after his arrival at Constantinople to distribute so many gifts, as if fountains of gold were gushing out of the deepest parts of the palace, to the miraculous intervention of the Holy Trinity
Deplores the prevailing stupidity and wretchedness of his contemporaries who, because of their lack of faith, let the bad omen of the imperial tent's collapse at Helenopolis pass by without sensing the danger or pondering the matter
Expresses the fear that his audience might consider his description of Nikephoros 3 Botaneiates an effort to attract favours from his master and gives assurances that this is not so, for this emperor's generosity was unprecedented
Following the return of the kaisar (Ioannes 62) to Constantinople after his release from captivity, he compares the glories of ancient Rome to the state of the Roman empire in his days (under Michael 7), ruled unwisely by greedy and impious men
Attaleiates: History 193.15-198.8 / 143.1-146.5
If he were to describe all the great deeds of Botaneiates (Nikephoros 3) he would resemble those who try to draw the waters of the Atlantic Ocean
In an outburst of sympathy for Romanos 4 after Mantzikert, he chastises Michael 7 for his behaviour and treatment of him who gave everything for the empire, who was shown respect by his very captor (Alp Arslan 51), and who was moreover now a monk
Read out a thanking speech to Botaneiates (Nikephoros 3) when the rebel Bryennios (Nikephoros 62), captured by Alexios 1 Komnenos, was brought before the emperor
Strived to record for posterity the deeds of Nikephoros 3 Botaneiates and to show that, despite the difficult situation, he was more benevolent, generous and God-loving than his predecessors
Urges his readers to judge for themselves the wisdom of the decision to send against his own people the Turkish commander Amertikes 101 (an ally of the Romans) who had been treated badly by the Romans and not paid the promised allowance
τοῖς ἀναγινώσκουσιν ἐξετάζειν παρίημι. Attaleiates: History 95.4-7 / 72.3-6
Warns that his account after describing the reception of the sultan's envoys (Anonymi 103) by the emperor (Romanos 4) at Mantzikert will become unpleasant because of the great misfortune that befell the Romans
Was told the story of how Romanos 4 Diogenes was saved by Nikephoros 3 Botaneiates while fighting against the Sauromatai (Hungarians) by Diogenes himself
Wrote a book describing recent events and their causes, some unexpected occurrences, the virtues and defects of rulers, and offered and dedicated it to the emperor (Nikephoros 3)