Quick Facts
Restored Byzantium. Retook Constantinople and gave the empire its final century.
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Life Journey
Michael VIII Palaiologos was born to Andronikos Palaiologos and Theodora Angelina in Constantinople, Byzantine Empire.
Michael VIII begins his career as a military and administrative official in the Empire of Nicaea, serving under Emperor John III Vatatzes.
Michael VIII marries Theodora Palaiologina, a member of the imperial family, strengthening his dynastic ties and political position.
Michael VIII is proclaimed co-emperor with John IV Laskaris, consolidating his power and influence within the Empire of Nicaea.
After the death of John IV Laskaris, Michael VIII becomes the sole emperor of the Empire of Nicaea, marking the beginning of his sole rule.
Michael VIII leads the Byzantine forces to a decisive victory against the Latin Empire at the Battle of Pelagonia, a crucial step in the restoration of the Byzantine Empire.
Michael VIII and his general Alexios Strategopoulos recapture Constantinople from the Latin Empire, restoring the Byzantine Empire and marking the end of the Latin occupation.
Michael VIII initiates a series of military and administrative reforms to strengthen the Byzantine Empire, including the reorganization of the army and the bureaucracy.
Michael VIII successfully expands the Byzantine Empire's territory, reclaiming lands in Thrace and Macedonia from the Bulgarians and the Despotate of Epirus.
Michael VIII signs the Treaty of Viterbo with Charles of Anjou, securing peace and alliances that help stabilize the empire's western borders.
Michael VIII leads a military campaign against the Seljuk Turks, aiming to secure the empire's eastern borders and protect Byzantine territories in Asia Minor.
Michael VIII attends the Second Council of Lyon, seeking to secure Western support and legitimacy for his rule through a temporary union of the Eastern and Western churches.
Michael VIII successfully suppresses internal revolts, including those led by John Komnenos Doukas and Michael II of Epirus, ensuring the stability of his rule.
Michael VIII faces the challenges posed by the Sicilian Vespers, a popular uprising against the rule of Charles of Anjou, which complicates Byzantine relations with the West.
Michael VIII Palaiologos dies in Constantinople, leaving behind a legacy of restoring and strengthening the Byzantine Empire during a critical period in its history.