Killing of Stephen Hagiochristophorites by Isaac Angelos, c. 1473, miniature by Jean Colombe in Les Passages d’outremer, BNF.
A 15th century depiction of the death of Andronikos. Original in the Bibliothèque Nationale, France.
Andronikos continues to terrorise his relatives. Many leave Byzantium seeking help from foreign courts. One arrives in Sicily and calls on the Normans to help him. They launch an invasion and sack the city of Thessalonica.
Period: 1184-85
Stream: The Sack of Thessalonica
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The History of Byzantium 
Amazing how violent everyone has gotten. Even the general public. It seems like Andronkinos and his death is a turning point, considering all the damage he did directly lead to as well as the beginning of the Angeloid dynasty. Almost like this should be the start of the 4th crusade era.
Rob Just wanted to say how much of a fan I am of how you tell the story by sparking the imagination! I started listening to you after the History of Rome (seems to be a trend here…) and like many others have branched out to some of the recommended podcasts from here. Great job and keep it up!
Thanks so much
In re-listening to the saga of Andronikas, especially as he rose to power, I kept thinking: Why did the nobles and elite of Constantinople not put a stop to the monster? Did they not see that the reign of terror engineered by Andronikas was tearing apart the fabric of their empire? Then, sadly, I reflected on current events in my own country. A world-class A-hole was elected president and, when defeated convincingly four years later, lied about the results and instigated an insurrection (which, if successful, may have resulted in the murder of many senior members of his own party!). All of this is enabled by not just the half-brained unwashed masses, but by the political establishment of the conservative party (some of whom were targeted by the insurrection) and Rupert Murdoch’s mouthpiece, Fox “News.” Thus, the blame for the current situation does not just lie with insurrectionist-in-chief but also with the Putin-loving conservative enablers, who have stood by and encouraged this dismantling of the institutions of government and the trust of the people.
I realize that current politics should not be included in history podcast comment sections, but, as we all know, those who do not learn the history are doomed to repeat it. Americans are not great students of history. I indeed feel a sense of doom.