Thessalonica - A Brief History

Andronicus' terrorization of the aristocracy had undermined Empire's defences. The local general, John Varanas, did not have enough men to hold out against the invasion. He put up what resistance he could, but the Normans quickly overran his position and took the city. Efstathios lays the blame for this disaster squarely at the feet of two men, Andronicus,. Obviously, and the city's governor, David Comninos.