Isaac
one of the patriarchal ancestors of the Hebrew nation and of Christ, son of Abraham and Sarah; born 1896 B. C. At the age of 40 he married Rebecca, by whom he had two sons, Esau and Jacob; the former becoming the founder of the Edomites, and the latter, under the name of Israel, the parent of the Twelve Tribes, or the Israelites.
Isaac lived to attain his 180th year, dying 1716 B. C. ISAAC I., COMNENUS, Emperor of Constantinople, was the first of the Comneni who attained that dignity. Under the successors of Basil II. Isaac served in the army, winning the hearts ISAAC II. of officers and men by his prudence and uprightness, and on the deposition of Michael VI. in 1057 was elevated to the throne. He repelled the Hungarians attacking his N. frontier; and then, resigning the crown (1059) retired to a convent, where he lived two years longer.
He was one of the most virtuous and able emperors of the East. There are extant from his pen scholia and other works on Homer.
ISAAC II., ANGELUS, connected through his mother with the Comnenian emperors, became sovereign of the East in 1185, and reigned 10 years. Isaac cowardly prince, and his reign was a period of war and tumult.
He was dethroned, blinded, and im prisoned by his brother Alexius in 1195.
Eight years later he was restored to the throne, and reigned for a period of six months , when he was again dethroned, and soon after he died in prison.