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Son of Michael IX and grandson of Andronicus II, Andronicus Palaeologus rebelled against his grandfather when his claim to share the empire with his grandfather was rejected. His
rebellion was successful, but a the civil war seriously weakened the already tottering state. Once enthroned, Andronicus set about trying to correct and reverse the corruptions and weaknesses that had grown during his grandfather's
long reign, but in reality, Byzantium was too far gone, and despite the efforts of this brave and innovative ruler, its ultimate collapse was now inevitable. He died whilst still quite young, leaving his son, the nine year old John
V as emperor. The battle for the regency once again plunged the ailing empire into disastrous internecine conflict. |
