Michael Kantakouzenos

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Michael Kantakouzenos (? - 1316) was the first despot of Morea, a position he held from 1308 till his death in 1316.

[edit] Despot

In 1308, Byzantine emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos passed a decree, which stopped the appointment of new governors of Morea every year and that this position be given to one person until his death. After the decree was passed, the first despot (or governor) the emperor had appointed for the newly created Despotate of Morea was Michael Kantakouzenos. His coming to Morea was a blessing for the local population in the poor province because he stopped the practice of corrupt governors who tried to pull off a "get rich quick" scheme in their 12 month term. He enabled economic stabilization within the province in his short 8 year term, giving his successor, Andronikos Asen, the possibility of starting a war of conquest.

Michael Kantakouzenos died in 1316. He was survived by his son, John, who became emperor in 1347.

[edit] References

Michael Kantakouzenos
Palaiologos dynasty
Born: unknown Died: 1316
Regnal titles
Preceded by
Nobody		 Despot of Morea
1308–1316		 Succeeded by
Andronikos Asen