Massacre of the Latins: What Happened
In April 1182, a mob in Constantinople attacked the large community of Latin, or Western European, residents of the city, most of them merchants from Genoa and Pisa. For decades, Italian traders had been granted special privileges, including tax exemptions, that gave them a dominant role in Byzantine commerce. Many ordinary Byzantines resented their wealth and influence, as well as the favor shown to Westerners by the late emperor Manuel I and the pro-Latin regency that followed his death. The massacre broke out as Andronikos Komnenos, Manuel's cousin, marched on the capital, presenting himself as a champion against the Latins. The attackers killed thousands of Latin residents, including women, children, the elderly and the sick in hospitals. A Roman Catholic cardinal was beheaded. Many survivors were sold as slaves to the Turks. Some escaped on ships and took revenge by raiding Byzantine coasts and islands. The massacre poisoned relations between Byzantium and the West, and it is often seen as one of the background causes of the Fourth Crusade's attack on Constantinople in 1204.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Massacre of the Latins?
The Massacre of the Latins was an attack in April 1182 by a mob in Constantinople on the Latin, or Western European, residents of the city, mostly merchants from Genoa and Pisa.
Why were the Latins attacked?
Italian merchants had special trade privileges and tax exemptions that gave them a dominant role in Byzantine commerce. Many Byzantines resented their wealth and influence.
How many people died in the Massacre of the Latins?
Thousands of Latin residents were killed, including women, children and the sick. Many survivors were sold as slaves to the Turks.
Who was Andronikos Komnenos?
Andronikos Komnenos was Manuel I's cousin, who marched on Constantinople presenting himself as a champion against the Latins. He later seized the throne as Andronikos I.
How is the Massacre of the Latins linked to 1204?
The massacre poisoned relations between Byzantium and the West and is often seen as one of the background causes of the Fourth Crusade's attack on Constantinople in 1204.
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