Andronicus I comnenus
Komnenoi Dynasty c.1118-85
Andronicus overthrew Empress Maria because of her unpopular favouritism towards Latins — she was the wife of his deceased cousin Manuel I and regent for her son Alexios II. Andronicus forced Alexios to sign his mother’s death warrant and eventually had the boy killed. His accession sparked a widespread massacre of Latins within Constantinople, which he did nothing stop. Initially popular, Andronicus became tyrannical and the population revolted. He attempted to escape but was ultimately captured, tortured and killed.