Palaeologus

The Palaeologus (Gr. Παλαιολογο?, pl. Παλαιολογοι) family was the last dynasty ruling the Byzantine Empire. After the Fourth Crusade members of the family escaped to Nicaea and eventually gained control of the empire-in-exile there. Michael VIII Palaeologus became emperor in 1259 and recaptured Constantinople in 1261. Michael's descendents ruled until the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the longest-lived dynasty in Byzantine history. The family motto was Basileus Basileon, Basileuon Basileuonton ("King of Kings, Ruling Over Those Who Rule"). Because of their intermarriage with Western families, the Palaeologans were the first Imperial family to have crests and coats-of-arms in the Western sense: they used either the Imperial double-eagle sable on a field or; or a field gules, a cross with four outward-facing 'B's or in the quarters.

Related Topics:
Dynasty - Byzantine Empire - Fourth Crusade - Nicaea - Empire-in-exile - Michael VIII Palaeologus - 1259 - Constantinople - 1261 - Fall of Constantinople - 1453 - Sable

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