Michael VIII Palaiologos

Michael VIII Palaiologos (1224–1282) became regent for Nicaea's boy emperor John IV Laskaris and was crowned co-emperor in 1259 after his victory at Pelagonia. In 1261 his troops seized Constantinople from the Latins; Michael entered the city, restored the Byzantine Empire and founded the Palaiologan dynasty. Later that year he had John IV blinded.

He rebuilt Constantinople and expanded the army and navy, but neglected the Anatolian frontier. Against Charles of Anjou he promoted the Union of Lyons in 1274 and supported the Sicilian Vespers of 1282, dying in Thrace later that year.