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Coup of Isaac Angelos in Constantinople (1185)
In September 1185, Byzantine noble Isaac Angelos launched a coup in Constantinople amid crisis from Norman invasion and the tyranny of Andronikos I, …
Timeline
- 1185Church of Saint Demetrius · Byzantine EmpireFleeing pursuit by Andronikos, Isaac took shelter in the Church of Saint Demetrius. Capital crowds and some guardsman gathered at the church, acclaiming Isaac as emperor, and anti-Andronikos sentiment spread rapidly across the city.
- 1185Great Palace of Constantinople · Byzantine EmpireIsaac led his supporters into the palace district, and Andronikos I fled in panic. Within hours the coup forces controlled the capital's key strongholds, and the old regime's military and political command structure quickly collapsed.
- 1185Hagia Sophia · Byzantine EmpireAfter Andronikos was captured and executed, Isaac was formally crowned Isaac II at the Hagia Sophia. The Angelos dynasty thus began, and Byzantium entered a new reign.
Sources
- O City of Byzantium, Annals of Niketas Choniates — Niketas Choniates (1984)