Editing Andronikos I Komnenos (section)

== Early life and character ==
Andronikos Komnenos was born in {{Circa}} 1118–1120,{{Sfn|Kislinger|2019|p=77}} the son of the ''[[sebastokrator]]'' [[Isaac Komnenos (son of Alexios I)|Isaac Komnenos]]{{Sfn|Kaldellis|2024|p=697}} and his wife Irene.{{Sfn|Kislinger|2019|p=77}} Andronikos had three siblings: the older brother [[John Tzelepes Komnenos|John]] and two older sisters, one of which was named Anna.{{sfn|Varzos|1984a|pp=254, 480–638}} Andronikos was the nephew of the reigning emperor, [[John II Komnenos]] ({{Reign}}1118–1143), and grew up together with his cousin (and John's successor) [[Manuel I Komnenos]] ({{Reign}}1143–1180).{{Sfn|Kislinger|2019|p=77}}

In 1130, Andronikos's father was involved in a conspiracy against John II while the emperor was away from [[Constantinople]] on campaign against the [[Sultanate of Rum]]. The conspiracy was uncovered but Isaac and his sons fled the capital and found refuge at the court of the [[Danishmendid]] emir [[Gazi Gümüshtigin|Gümüshtigin Ghazi]] at [[Melitene]].{{sfn|Varzos|1984a|pp=239, 480}} The family spent six years on the run, traveling to [[Trabzon|Trebizond]], [[Armenian Cilicia]], and eventually the Sultanate of Rum, before Isaac reconciled with John II and the emperor forgave him.{{sfn|Varzos|1984a|pp=243–244, 481}}

According to the historian [[Anthony Kaldellis]], Andronikos was "one of the most colorful and versatile personalities of the age".{{Sfn|Kaldellis|2024|p=696}} He was tall, handsome, and brave, but a poor strategist,{{Sfn|Kaldellis|2024|p=697}} and was known for his good looks, intellect, charm, and elegance.{{Sfn|Norwich|1998|loc=The Fourth Crusade}}