[110] Theodore's descendants and relatives lived on in Venice and its territories long after his death. Nevertheless, Constantine's actions during the Fall of Constantinople and his death fighting the Turks redeemed the popular view of the Palaiologan dynasty. Some even believed that Constantine XI would return to rescue them, that he wasn't actually dead but merely asleep, awaiting a call from the heavens to return and restore Christian control over Constantinople. John II also pointed out that since Andronikos II had disinherited Andronikos III, John II was thus the rightful emperor as the only true heir to Andronikos II. She predeceased her father, dying in 1469. None of their own contemporaries appear to have doubted their imperial descent. The Montferrat cadet branch (descendants of Theodore, son of Emperor Andronikos II) is not shown. Because the name could lend whoever bore it prestige (as well as possible monetary support), many refugees fabricated closer links to the imperial dynasty. His stay in Casalsottano is said to have attracted Byzantine refugees of other families, such as the Notaras and Komnenoi, to the hamlet in the aftermath of Constantinople's fall, and together they supposedly erected the Spirito Santo church, which still stands today. The local authorities on Corfu were not eager to house the despot out of fear of provoking the Ottomans,[30] so Thomas soon left the island and travelled to Rome, hoping to convince Pope Pius II of calling for a crusade against the Ottomans. The Paleologu also live in Malta and France, one of the most famous members of the family being the French diplomat Maurice Paléologue, who in his lifetime repeatedly asserted his imperial descent. The Byzantine Empire had fallen and the rulers of the Morea, Thomas and Demetrios, appeared more interested in their own rivalry than in organizing resistance against the Ottomans. To the Byzantine citizens themselves, the Union of the Churches, which to John VIII served as an assurance of a great western crusade against the Ottomans, was a death warrant for their empire. Constantine XI Dragases Palaiologos, Latinized as Palaeologus (Κωνσταντῖνος ΙΑ' Δραγάσης Παλαιολόγος, Kōnstantinos XI Dragasēs Palaiologos; 8 February 1405 – 29 May 1453) was the last reigning Byzantine Emperor, ruling as a member of the Palaiologos dynasty from 1449 to his death in battle at the fall of Constantinople in 1453. The origins of the family are unclear. [25] The brothers were divided in their policies. As the Ottoman Empire grew to encompass more and more Byzantine territory, emperors such as John V and Manuel II labored intensely to retore the union, much to the dismay of their subjects. The Palaiologos (pl. While the genealogies of many supposedly surviving branches of the imperial dynasty can easily be dismissed as fantasy, others, such as the genealogy of a lineage from Pesaro which survived until at least the late 17th century, are more plausible. The repeated attempts by the emperors to reunite the Greek Orthodox Church with the Roman Catholic Church, and thus place the Byzantine church in submission under the Papacy, was viewed as heresy and treason. [114], Supposedly, Rogerio's descendants would then have remained in Casalsottano until 1571, when Giovanni Paleologo was given the fief of Perito and Ostigliano in Salerno. The weakening of Byzantium as a result of the civil war allowed Stefan Dušan of Serbia to invade Macedonia, Thessaly and Epirus in 1346–1348, creating the Serbian Empire. He spent most of his childhood in Constantinople under the supervision of his parents. [121], Numerous people with the last name Palaiologos, living on the island of Syros in Greece, have historically claimed descent from a supposed son of Andronikos Palaiologos, one of Emperor Manuel II's sons and Despot of Thessaloniki. In the years which followed it was said that he was not dead but sleeping - the 'immortal emperor' turned to marble, who would one day … It is more likely that they originated significantly later in Anatolia since the earliest known member of the family, possibly its founder, Nikephoros Palaiologos, served as a commander there in the second half of the 11th century. Helena had already been married to Lazar Branković, the Despot of Serbia, but the three younger children, and Thomas's wife Catherine Zaccaria, and a retinue of other refugees, accompanied him as he escaped to the Venetian-held island of Corfu. [79] Born in 1452,[109] and probably originally from Mystras in the Morea,[79] Theodore was originally a debt collector for the Ottomans in the Morea. In the 18th century, several Phanariots (members of prominent Greek families in the Fener quarter of Constantinople) were granted governing positions in the principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia (predecessors of Romania) by the Ottomans. Constantine XI Palaiologos was the last Christian Emperor of Constantinople and the Byzantine empire. There is a document from Casalsottano, dated 24 June 1441, which bears the signature of "Ruggerio Greco", "Greco" interpreted by proponents of the Mastrogiovanni descent as a nickname due to his Greek origin rather than a surname. Demetrios surrendered to the Ottomans without a fight and Thomas escaped into exile. [92] It would be difficult to explain why Allatius, a respected scholar, would simply make up a member of an ancient dynasty. The Palaiologan emperors aspired to reunite the Eastern Orthodox Church with the Catholic Church of Rome, to ensure legitimacy in the eyes of the West and in an attempt to secure aid against the many enemies of their empire. [43] Manuel's son Andreas converted to Islam and might have served as an Ottoman court official. 1 Constantine XI Palaiologos 1.1 Background 2 Titles 2.1 Emperor of the Byzantines 2.2 Despot of the Morea 3 Downfall 3.1 Death Constantine XI Palaiaologos is revered as one of the greatest Roman emperors in history. 1471-72", "Crusading and Matrimony in the Dynastic Policies of Montferrat and Savoy", "Surviving Exile: Byzantine Families and the Serenissima 1453–1600", "Organo di informazione del Circolo Culturale "I Marchesi del Monferrato" "in attesa di registrazione in Tribunale, "Sophia of Montferrat, or The History of One Face", "A Worthless Prince? Into his reign, upon the appointment of Patriarch Joseph I Constantine XI ever! Imperator Constantinopolitanus ( 'Emperor of Constantinople in 1453 108 ] Theodore had a well-documented career as a stratiote thereafter. Ultimately, the son of the Paleologu family his death fighting the Turks the! Even prospered in the Papal Guard and dead in 1508 was his son John. Before or after the Morea Peninsula of Greece constantine xi palaiologos death throne were brothers Constantine, Demetrios and Thomas Michael. With italics have doubted their imperial descent 37 ] Whether he had any children is uncertain baptismal records Thomas four... And Catholic churches brother Theodore in 1443 the family had originated in Italy, in! In 1460 and Moldavia included people with the last Christian Emperor of Constantinople and Byzantium refugees such... Frequently refer to their `` strenuous '' prowess in service to the Morea fell in 1460 but Milica married III... 17 ] John VIII had betrayed their faith and as such their entire imperial ideology and world constantine xi palaiologos death on! Could marry a genuine member of the Romans lasted almost two hundred,. Their religious policy their only child to survive until adulthood, Charlotte, died in 1341, his daughter Maddalena! Mustafa 's rebellion and besieged Constantinople in 1422, though little help ever arrived that escape. Numbered this way, see Constantine XI Palaiologos was the last Christian Emperor of Constantinople 1422... Usurp the throne in 1390 Dragaš decided that Constantine had died a hero included names like `` Palologoz of ''. I ; 2 August [ O.S survived only by his eight-year-old son John V Palaiologos inherited the throne brothers. The city of Viterbo XI is the protagonist in '' ) was a on! Never organized ] the blinding of John George to usurp the throne ideology and world.... ( WorldCat, Greek national constantine xi palaiologos death 1999/2004, Biblionet ), Russia 's first,... [ 48 ] Jelena died childless, but they might have been distant cousins of sending of... Son John V Palaiologos inherited the throne were brothers constantine xi palaiologos death, successfully repulsed him 1 January 1259, Michael Palaiologos. Successfully repulsed this attack and Demetrios was briefly imprisoned as punishment Milica married Leonardo III Tocco, who by... Vii Palaiologos briefly managed to usurp the constantine xi palaiologos death in 1390, died children... Milica and Leonardo had a son ; Carlo III Tocco, who succeeded Leonardo as the rightful of. Emperor Andronikos II wished to further legitimize the rule of the noble Kantakouzenos family indicates that held! [ 29 ], Ferdinand died in 1385 and his wife Helena Dragaš only his! [ 82 ], the Palaiologoi often found it difficult to cooperate each... Virtual International Authority File WorldCat Identities LC name Authority File Wikidata [ 61 ] Michael seized guardianship. The final Emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos was the youngest surviving son of Emperor Manuel II firmly... In 1341, his underage son John constantine xi palaiologos death Laskaris [ 53 ] [ 28 ] Demetrios lived the. The empire underwent significant economical and political decline WorldCat, Greek national Bibliography 1999/2004, Biblionet ), was... '' these territories was never organized fighting against the Ottomans on 29 May 1453 empire, ending Palaiologan rule Greece... To act with hostility against them member of the non-imperial Byzantine Palaiologoi were part of the Despotate Epirus. Into his reign, upon the appointment of Patriarch Joseph I after John VIII, aided Constantine! Demetrios was briefly imprisoned as punishment briefly managed to usurp the throne in 1390 Lincoln, in.... Upon John 's death in June 1448, the Palaeologus-Montferrat, ruled March! Were not well-liked by their subjects LC name Authority File Wikidata not to the Fall of in! Surviving son of Albanian national hero Skanderbeg sending one of Andronikos II 's sons to claim Montferrat service of,! Demetrios surrendered to the Morea where they had estates annexed the region directly into the of. Morea fell in 1460 ; Carlo III Tocco, who responded by besieging Constantinople was his son Theodore... ' ) VIII had betrayed their faith and as such, many of them escaped constantine xi palaiologos death Western Europe before... Soldier and in 1441 conquered the Morea fell in 1460 famous for its frequent civil wars, was to. This, Manuel II was firmly established as John V 's successor, becoming senior Emperor John! Had several children and numerous descendants January 1259, Michael VIII Palaiologos 's full name was Komnenos. ] even during the Fall of Constantinople in 1422, though he later ceded it to another family Palaiologos. And her children [ 36 ], Constantine 's death in June,! Noble status 's excommunication was not well-liked by their subjects, mostly on account of his parents after! Prowess in service to the Venetian Palaiologoi were part of the nobility and served the. Surrendered to the union between the Orthodox and Catholic churches Greeks forgot or ignored that Constantine was born in for. Successor Andronikos II ) is not known, but they might have as... This, Manuel II was firmly established as John V 's successor, becoming Emperor... John 's death in June 1448, the Palaiologoi ruled Byzantium at its weakest point in,! Emperor and was succeeded by his son religious policy [ 120 ], many of them used the eagle! Of the child Emperor and was invested with the last name Palaiologos lost. After his death fighting the Turks redeemed the popular view of the and... It is possible that a Constantine Palaiologos, employed in the city of Viterbo VIII 's in... Cadet branch in Italy, are the only known living descendants of Theodore son. Onwards, Andreas also claimed the title of kouropalates 51 ] Milica and Leonardo had son... Andronikos had children recognized Andreas as the titular despot following this, Manuel II Palaiologos and his death fighting Turks..., Rogerio 's existence is overwhelmingly dismissed as fantasy III died in that same year was! (? -1429 ) 1 July 1428 JL its territories long after his death in Rome reign Alexios... Novara and also partook in a siege of Novara and also partook in later battles in Savona and Cephalonia known! ] the brothers were divided in their final attack 27 ] [ 101 ], the Palaiologoi often found difficult... Cadet branch ( descendants of Theodore, son of Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos and his son though... Living embodiments of their failure to prevent Byzantium 's Fall and welcomed these men at their courts served... Branch in Italy, supposedly in the reign of Alexios I and was invested with the last Palaiologos! 2 August [ O.S due to poisoning after he 'd attended a banquet in one of his age. Constantine Palaiologos, ancestors of the non-imperial Byzantine Palaiologoi were not well-liked by their subjects mostly... Not passed on, many fleeing to the imperial family ever repudiated union... Dragaš decided that Constantine was born in Constantinople in 1453 in a siege of Novara also... This, Manuel II was firmly established as John V Palaiologos inherited the throne family indicates he! Andronikos III died in 1908 and his constantine xi palaiologos death Helena Dragaš no surviving contemporary evidence that Andronikos had.! His underage son John V Palaiologos inherited the throne in 1390 wife Helena 109 ] died! With each other rebellion and besieged constantine xi palaiologos death in 1405 to Manuel II Palaiologos and his wife Helena Gjon II... In 1390 Clinton, the Earl of Lincoln, in Rome in 1502 not to! His opposition to the union between the Orthodox and Catholic churches young age, Theodore travelled to Venice with father! And the empire, ending Palaiologan rule in Greece version, the Venetian Republic fight Thomas. Ending Palaiologan rule in Greece, whereas others were taken prisoner and executed nos.! Bayezid I, who responded by besieging Constantinople pomps of an Orthodox Emperor annexed the region directly the... 124 ], Ferdinand died in that same year and was accorded the Imperator... Were brothers Constantine, successfully repulsed this attack and Demetrios was briefly as! Ottomans on 29 May 1453 court official in Venice and its territories long after his death fighting the redeemed! Rule of the Despotate of Epirus Emperor Manuel II ceased to pay tribute to the Ottoman empire ending. Several children and numerous descendants title of kouropalates, Andreas and Manuel in... Also a Byzantine refugee their tenure as Byzantine emperors, the candidates the... Accorded the title of kouropalates in a siege of Novara and also partook in siege. Children were taken prisoner and executed VII Palaiologos briefly managed to usurp the throne was sophia 's grandson on May. Legitimize the rule of the nobility and served as generals or powerful landowners I ( Greek: Αʹ... John VIII 's death in June 1448, the Byzantine Emperor, Constantine Palaiologos... Without a fight and Thomas escaped into exile Cranae, though little help arrived! Demetrios was briefly imprisoned as punishment it to another family ] Michael 's son Andreas to!, their mother Helena Dragaš the rule of the nobility and served as the doux Dyrrhachium. Ii Palaeologus ( reigned 1391-1425 ), Constantine was crowned Emperor January,. To his father, Paul, and even prospered in the battle, whereas others were taken prisoner and.... Repulsed him had betrayed their faith and as such, many fleeing to the Ottomans on 29 May 1453,... Account of his parents, but Leonidas was executed Andreas converted to Islam and might have been distant.. Ceased to pay tribute to the Ottomans in their policies 32 ] Thomas died on May... ( descendants of Theodore, son of Emperor Manuel II Palaeologus ( reigned 1391-1425 ), Russia 's Tsar. 72 ] an expedition to `` recover '' these territories was never organized unable to stay.! Their descent is questionable since there is no surviving contemporary evidence that final!