1183 - 1185

A cousin of Manuel I, Andronicus overthrew and executed Manuel's son and successor, the young Alexius II. A colourful, if none too savoury character, Andronicus had lead the life of a mercenary and roving adventurer before his elevation. He set out to remove all the corruption that had crept into the imperial court and government, though his methods were so cruel and brutal that the populace of Constantinople rose against him and he was torn apart by a mob on 12th September, 1185.