Demetrios I Kantakouzenos

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Demetrius I Kantakouzenos was transitional governor of Morea in 1383. Demetrius I Kantakouzenos was the son of Matthew Kantakouzenos, governor of Morea, and Irene Palaiologina. Byzantine emperor John V Palaiologos decided in 1381 to replace Matthew with his son Theodore I Palaiologos. Using all possible diplomatic tricks Matthew Kantakouzenos tried to block that decision but without success. During his last few months, Matthew resigned his power to Demetrius and gave him the task of making a smooth and peaceful transition of power from the Kantakouzenos family to the Palaiologos family. Demetrius' grandson, Manuel, in 1453, a short time after fall of Constantinople, tried to take power in Morea.

Demetrius had several children:

• Georgios Palaiologos Kantakouzenos, "Sachatai" (d. circa 1456-59), scholar and military commander, defended Smederevo during a Hungarian attack in 1456
• Andronikos Palaiologos Kantakouzenos (d. June 3/4, 1453, executed), the last Grand Domestic of the Byzantine Empire
• Thomas Kantakouzenos (d. July 25, 1463 in Adrianople), diplomat for Đurađ Branković, Despot of Serbia
• Eirene Kantakouzene (circa 1400-May 2/3, 1457 at Rudnik, wife of Đurađ Branković
• Helena Kantakouzene (d. circa November 1, 1463 in Adrianople), Empress of Trebizond, wife of David Komnenos, Emperor of Trebizond
• N. Kantakouzene, Queen of Georgia, wife of George VIII of Georgia, King of Georgia

[edit] References

• Kantakuzenos family

Demetrios I Kantakouzenos Palaiologos dynasty Born: unknown Died: unknown
Regnal titles
Preceded by Matthew Kantakouzenos	Despot of Morea 1383–1383	Succeeded by Theodore I Palaiologos