Constantine XI Palaiologos
|
Ezio, my friend! How may I be of service? This article is in desperate need of a revamp. Please improve it in any way necessary in order for it to achieve a higher standard of quality in accordance with our Manual of Style. |
Konstantinos XI Dragases Palaiologos (8 February 1404 - 29 May 1453), commonly known as Constantine XI Palaiologos, was the Despot of Morea, the last Byzantine Emperor.
He was also the uncle of Andreas and Manuel Palaiologos, the latter of which who would go on to attempt a resurgence of the Byzantine Empire.
History
Under Constantine's rule, the Assassins in the Byzantine Empire were captured and executed on the spot.
As the Emperor, he spearheaded the final defense of Constantinople against the Ottoman Empire in 1453, and managed to hold the city for 54 days before Ottoman cannons finally breached the city's walls in two places on 29th May of the same year.
After holding Mass for one last time in Blachernae Palace with his generals, Constantine waited for the final attack. When it came, he tore off his Imperial regalia and led his men in a desperate last defense of the city, though he would later die in the attack and was presumably buried in a mass grave, as his body was never identified.[1] The Ottoman Sultan at the time, Mehmed II, was said to have been successful in taking Constantinople, due to his possession of an Apple of Eden.[2]