Massacre of the Latins

Byzantine Constantinople-en

Massacre of the Latins

The Massacre of the Latins was a large-scale massacre and expulsion of the Latin (Western European) inhabitants of Constantinople by the Byzantine populace of the city in April 1182. This event significantly deteriorated the relations between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, contributing to the schism between the two branches of Christianity.

Background

The massacre occurred during a period of intense political and social turmoil in the Byzantine Empire. The Komnenian dynasty was in power, and the empire was facing both internal strife and external threats. The Latin inhabitants of Constantinople, primarily Venetians, Genoese, and Pisans, had established a significant presence in the city due to their commercial activities. Their economic influence and perceived arrogance created resentment among the local Byzantine population.

Events Leading to the Massacre

The immediate cause of the massacre was the political instability following the death of Manuel I Komnenos in 1180. His widow, Maria of Antioch, served as regent for their young son, Alexios II Komnenos. Maria's Latin origins and favoritism towards the Latin merchants exacerbated tensions. In 1182, Andronikos I Komnenos led a revolt against the regency, exploiting anti-Latin sentiments to gain support.

The Massacre

In April 1182, the anti-Latin sentiment reached a boiling point. The Byzantine populace, incited by Andronikos and his supporters, attacked the Latin quarters of Constantinople. Thousands of Latins were killed, and their properties were looted. The violence was indiscriminate, targeting men, women, and children. Many Latins sought refuge in churches, but these sanctuaries were often violated by the mob.

Aftermath

The massacre had profound consequences for Byzantine-Latin relations. The Republic of Venice and other Western European states were outraged by the violence against their citizens. This event contributed to the Fourth Crusade and the subsequent Sack of Constantinople in 1204, which saw the city fall to the Crusaders and the establishment of the Latin Empire.

Legacy

The Massacre of the Latins is remembered as a tragic episode in the history of Constantinople and a significant factor in the deepening divide between the Eastern and Western Christian worlds. It exemplifies the ethnic and religious tensions that plagued the Byzantine Empire and foreshadowed the eventual fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire in 1453.

Related Pages

• Byzantine Empire
• Constantinople
• Fourth Crusade
• Sack of Constantinople
• Latin Empire
• Komnenian dynasty
• Manuel I Komnenos
• Andronikos I Komnenos
• Eastern Orthodox Church
• Roman Catholic Church