The Sack of Constantinople

The Norman army arrived on the 6th August and set up camp. The Normans undermined the city's eastern walls while their siege engines peppered the battlements above. As soon as a section of the walls came down, David Combinos abandoned his men and fled to the enemy camp to surrender. The Sicilian army then thoroughly sacked the city, emptying every church and every home in the search for treasure. According to Eftathios, at least 7,000 Romans and allies were killed. Andronicus was shocked at the news and began to make preparations to defend his capital. It was assumed correctly that the Normans would march on Constantinople as soon as they could.