He had returned to Constantinople, making it essential for Georgios 25002 to come to the capital to lobby him
Tornikes, Georgios 158.22-23, 161.4-6
The idol of Constantinople
Constantinopolitanum idolum. Odo of Deuil 76, 90
He was young and passionate, dedicated to a life of dissolution and luxury, committed to banquets and parties; he behaved just as he was was prompted to behave by his youthful exuberance and his vulgar passions
His supremacy in argument was granted by all, even the impartial; good at putting his point of view effectively, whatever the subject, despite spending most of his time at war
(He helped to carry the stone of Christ's Deposition from the Cross from Damalis to Constantinople) since he was excessively modest in such matters and enjoyed offering humble service in such cases
He grew up tall, strong and handsome, with a charm, physical appearance and endurance appropriate for an emperor
... καὶ τὸ μέγεθος καὶ τὸ κάλλος .... Italikos 281.21-282.19
Doctrinal (?) expert for the church
ἐπιστημονάρχης τῆς ἐκκλησίας. Council of 1157 322
Though very young, he had wisdom far beyond his years; as a fighter he was venturesome and in dangers undaunted and high-spirited, decisive in joining battle
In complexion, he was certainly not fair, nor really dark-skinned, like those who are always out in the hot sun; he had a handsome swarthiness rather than pale skin
In his early years he was financially honest, generous, merciful, a virtuous ruler with an innocent and guileless soul - as those alive then would later bear witness - but these attitudes were only short-lived
He was almost identical in age and stature to Louis 101, though the two differed in clothes and manners
Erant fere coaevi et coaequales, solis moribus et vestitu dissimiles. Odo of Deuil 58
Was not yet of age to rule in Constantinople at the time when his father Ioannes 2 wished to send away his brothers (Alexios 103, Andronikos 109, Isaakios 103) to rule (?) over Rome, Jerusalem and other territories
ὡς ἀτελοῦς ὄντος βασιλεύειν. Kleinchroniken 58.2
Realising from his military experience where Masud 17001 was on the battlefield (for he was outstandingly acute over such issues)
On all-night hunts he wore a breastplate against the plots of Isaakios 103 and Ioannes 293, with the physique to hunt bears and wild boars, usually with a spear on foot
Acquired a universal reputation for generosity and magnificence
το ἐλευθέριον αὐτοῦ καὶ μεγαλοπρεπές .... Kinnamos 33.11-12
His instruction in military affairs came from his father (an expert teacher), who led him in the campaigns against Kastamon, Gangra, Cilicia and Syria, as his best warrior
Though he had had no taste of education in logic, by his natural sharpness and greatness of intellect he was absolutely superior to all people born in our times