Editing John II Komnenos (section)

==Physical appearance and character==
[[File:John II crop.png|thumb|right|John II Komnenos – a conjectural digital replacement of facial features damaged on the original mosaic in Hagia Sophia]]
The [[Medieval Latin|Latin]] historian [[William of Tyre]] described John as short and unusually ugly, with eyes, hair and complexion so dark he was known as 'the [[Moors|Moor]]'.<ref>Runciman, p. 209</ref> Yet despite his physical appearance, John was known as ''Kaloïōannēs'', "John the Good" or "John the Beautiful"; the epithet referred to his character. Both his parents were unusually pious and John surpassed them. Members of his court were expected to restrict their conversation to serious subjects only.  The food served at the emperor's table was very frugal and John lectured courtiers who lived in excessive luxury. His speech was dignified, but he engaged in repartee on occasion. All accounts agree that he was a faithful husband to his wife, an unusual trait in a medieval ruler. Despite his personal austerity, John had a high conception of the imperial role and would appear in full ceremonial splendour when this was advantageous.<ref name="Choniates, p. 27">Choniates, p. 27</ref>

John was famed for his piety and his remarkably mild and just reign. He is considered an exceptional example of a moral ruler, at a time when cruelty was the norm. He is reputed never to have condemned anyone to death or mutilation.<ref>Dennis, p. 7</ref> Charity was dispensed lavishly. For this reason, he has been called the Byzantine [[Marcus Aurelius]].<ref>"John II", ''The World-wide Encyclopedia and Gazetteer'', Vol. V, Ed. William Harrison De Puy, (The Christian Herald, 1908), 3654.</ref> By the example of his personal morality and piety he effected a notable improvement in the manners of his age. Descriptions of him and his actions indicate that he had great self-control and personal courage, and was an excellent strategist and general.<ref name="Choniates, p. 27"/>