Palaiologina

Palaiologina refers to a prominent Byzantine aristocratic family, the Palaiologos dynasty, which ruled the Byzantine Empire from the mid-13th century until its fall in 1453. The dynasty's most famous member was Constantine XI Palaiologos, the last Byzantine emperor. The Palaiologos family produced a succession of emperors, including Michael VIII, who recaptured Constantinople from the Crusaders, and John V.

Members of the Palaiologina family held significant positions not only as emperors but also as despots, generals, and courtiers throughout the empire's later centuries. Their reign was characterized by internal strife, external pressures from various invading forces, and a gradual decline in the empire's territorial extent and influence. Despite these challenges, the Palaiologoi presided over a period of cultural revival, often referred to as the Palaiologan Renaissance, which saw significant advancements in art, literature, and scholarship. The dynasty's lineage can be traced back to the 11th century, with early members serving the empire in various capacities before the rise of Michael VIII to imperial power. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 marked the end of the Palaiologina dynasty's rule and the Byzantine Empire itself.