Editing Isaac II Angelos (section)

==Rising by revolt==
[[Niketas Choniates]] described Isaac's physical appearance: "He had a ruddy complexion and red hair, was of average height and robust in body".{{sfn|Choniates|1984|p=248}}

[[File:Français 5594, fol. 193v haut, Mort d'Étienne Hagiochristophoritès.jpeg|thumb|Killing of Stephen Hagiochristophorites, c. 1473, [[miniature (illuminated manuscript)|miniature]] by [[Jean Colombe]] in ''Les [[Passages d'outremer]]'', [[Bibliothèque nationale de France|BNF]].]]

During the brief reign of [[Andronikos I Komnenos]], Isaac was involved (alongside his father and brothers) in the revolt of [[Nicaea]] and [[Bursa, Turkey|Prousa]]. Atypically, the Emperor did not punish him for this disloyalty, and Isaac remained at [[Constantinople]].

On 11 September 1185, while Andronikos was absent from the capital, his lieutenant [[Stephen Hagiochristophorites]] moved to arrest Isaac. Isaac killed Hagiochristophorites and took refuge in the church of [[Hagia Sophia]].{{sfn|Harris|2007|p=71}} Andronikos was a capable ruler in some ways but was hated for his cruelty and his efforts to keep the aristocracy obedient. Isaac appealed to the populace, and a tumult arose that spread rapidly over the whole city. When Andronikos returned he found that he had lost popular support, and that Isaac had been proclaimed emperor. Andronikos attempted to flee by boat but was apprehended. Isaac handed him over to the people of the city, and he was killed on 12 September 1185.{{sfn|Choniates|1984|pp=188-189}}