Alexios III

angelos Dynasty c.1153-1211

Alexios overthrew his younger brother Isaac II, who he blinded and imprisoned. A weak and extravagant man, Alexios spent money like water and depleted the treasury. His ability to govern was poor and he relied heavily on his capable wife, Euphrosyne. It all fell apart when Isaac’s son and Alexios’ nephew, the future Alexios IV, appealed to the Fourth Crusade for their help in restoring him to the throne. The empire was easy pickings for the Crusaders as Alexios’ poor governance had left it in a complete state. Alexios fled abroad in the night and later died in a monastery.

Alexios’ reign was disastrous, driving the empire into the ground