In August 1185, the city of Thessaloniki, the second largest in the Byzantine Empire after Constantinople, suffered a devastating sack at the hands of Norman invaders. The attack is considered a particularly brutal event in medieval history, marking a significant low point for the city. Historical accounts suggest widespread destruction and suffering during the Norman occupation. Thessaloniki, a crucial Byzantine center, experienced a catastrophic disruption to its prosperity and stability. The event remains a significant moment in the city’s long and complex history, remembered for its tragic consequences. Details of the full extent of the damage and loss of life are still studied by historians today.