Theodore II Palaeologus

Theodore II Palaeologus ( around 1396 - 1443 ) Despot of Morea 1407-1443 is son of Manuel II Palaeologus .

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When he is only 10 years old father has proclaimed him despot of Morea after death of Theodore I Palaeologus in 1407. First period of his rule is time of war against Latin states in Greece for united Morea. Theodore II enemy in that period is even Venetia which are sending soldiers to stop him in conquest of Patras.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Moment of drastic policy change is his matrimony with latin princes arranged with help of pope Martin V. After that Theodor greates ally is pope which support all political moves of his protege. In his letter around time of Manuel II death ( 1425 ) Martin V is calling Theodore II emperor of Constantinople ( ad Theodorum imperatorem constantinopolitanum ) but this reality will never happen. Not only he has lost first crown game but war in Morea has started to go bad. Under pressure of Charles Toka master of Kefalonia Despot is demanding help from John VIII. Bill for that help is brother Constantine which has become joint ruler of Morea with Theodor II in 1428.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On other side emperor John VIII is soon starting to send offending moves against brother. His proclamation that Theodore younger brother Constantine will become regent in time of his travel to Florence in 1438 is moment which will never be forgeten.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Last years of Morea despot is waiting for sick John VIII death which for him will never come.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Theodore II Palaeologus has died in 1443 without children which can inherit his position. His brother-enemy Constantine XI will first inherit Morea then emperor crown for which has Theodore II waited ulmost 20 years.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~