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There have been many notorious Roman Emperors such as Caligula and Nero. The successor state of the Romans, the Byzantines also had several Emperors who could be classed as evil. Andronicus I Comnenus (1118-1185 AD) is regarded as one of the most vicious and depraved monarchs of the Eastern Roman Empire. His rule was a catastrophe for the Byzantine Empire just after it had begun to recover after the disastrous defeat at Manzikert (1079). This article argues that Andronicus I manufactured social conflict and his cruelty led to a breakdown in relations with the West. He also left the Empire exposed to invasion. It will also show that despite his bloodthirstiness, he genuinely sought to reform the Imperial system and Byzantine society. Ultimately Andronicus's tyrannical regime gravely weakened the Empire and left it vulnerable to its enemies.