The quarrel of the two Andronici was protracted, and suspended, and renewed, during a ruinous period of seven years.

In the first treaty, the relics of the Greek empire were divided: Constantinople, Thessalonica, and the islands, were left to the elder, while the younger acquired the sovereignty of the greatest part of Thrace, from Philippi to the Byzantine limit.

By the second treaty, he stipulated the payment of his troops, his immediate coronation, and an adequate share of the power and revenue of the state.

The third civil war was terminated by the surprise of Constantinople, the final retreat of the old emperor, and the sole reign of his victorious grandson.

The reasons of this delay may be found in the characters of the men and of the times.